7 More Fuel-Sipping Myths Debunked: Mechanic's Diary

[BigWarpGuy]

Here is an article on 7 myths on gas saving.
“It's $4/gallon season, and the snake-oil salesmen are out in force. Forget the fill-up tricks, premium-gas ruses and miracle-gadget cons: PM's no-bull senior automotive editor is here to remind you that the truth is out there.”

[Suze]

What is this - Day of The Lists? (j/k - I love your links.)

I especially like this:

Myth No. 7: Short-Stop Idling>>

The Lie: "Keep the engine running while you pick up the mail and a cup of java, and you're save gas fast!"

The Truth: Your car generates negative miles per gallon if it's running and not moving forward. It's burning fuel— enough, in fact, to substantially lower your economy even when idling at traffic lights or in slow traffic. On the other hand, once the engine is warmed up, it uses no fuel whatsoever to shut down or restart when you need it. None. That's why an integral part of the fuel-saving strategy of any hybrid is to turn off the engine completely when the car isn't moving, or moving slowly. Don't leave your car idle, even for 30 seconds.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by notsobadyathink

Don't leave your car idle, even for 30 seconds.

I worry about shutting the engine down and restarting for very short periods, because I've replaced more starter motors than I'd care to think about over the years. I mean, cutting the motor at traffic lights and drive throughs sums up to a LOT of starts. Any thoughts on this? Are today's cars equipped with more durable starters?

[jwight]

smart seems to think it's safe enough to use it on their mhd version.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by jwight

smart seems to think it's safe enough to use it on their mhd version.

But IS that the same starter as is in our cars?

[Karl Roth]

No the one on the mhd is a starter / generator that is belt driven.
karl

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Karl Roth

No the one on the mhd is a starter / generator that is belt driven.
karl

So, what's your verdict? Frequent re-starts in our smarts, a prescription for early starter failure?

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

So, what's your verdict? Frequent re-starts in our smarts, a prescription for early starter failure?

I don't let it idle longer than it takes to belt up, I wait for my passenger.
The car stays running at lights and gets shut off at stops like the market or such. I would also buy the mhd if it was under $500 or so.
karl

[MichaelJ]

Originally Posted by notsobadyathink

Myth No. 7: Short-Stop Idling>>

The Lie: "Keep the engine running while you pick up the mail and a cup of java, and you're save gas fast!"

Actually, you will save gas. After your car is stolen, you won't need to purchase anywhere near as much gas as you did while you had a car.

[p1nball]

Have been drivind a Ford Hybrid Escape On my job. Car is a test for the Charlotte/Douglas Airport. It now has 25K on it, with not one issue!! I was supprised that this system of start and stop of the engine has had no problems. This vehicle, run 24/7. Mpg is 24-26 Best with no AC on. With it on it drops to 14-16MPG. These are true numbers. This is on the ramp and runway /taxiway inspections. Ramp speeds @ 20-25MPH- Runway @ 65-95 MPH.So the restart seems to work well in a harsh working enviroment.

The car at work new runway!!!!!!