Economic Driving?

Question

Can someone tell me, whilst driving, if you press the accelerator pedal to floor and the car does not pick up speed very fast because you are in too low a gear,( for instance 2nd to 4th in order to be economic) is this wasting fuel or does the fuel management system make sure the fuel is used efficiently.

Answer 1

No need to "Floor" the loud pedal, just gradually press it, as too much throttle at low speed in a higher gear can lead to "pinking" or Pre - ignition ( harsh rattle) and could lead to burnt valves if done over a prolonged period. As long as you are within the "Torque Band" - (change between 1500 / 2000rpm) of your engine it is perfectly acceptable to "Block Change" gears, i.e  1st to 3rd to 5th, or 2nd to 4th UP or Down the box. I usually go 1,3,5 when pulling away, as most engines will pull from 1000 rpm with no problems. You are taught to "go through the gears" to show you have full understanding  of the workings of the controls. Take no notice of those who say you must use every gear in sequence as you  can "damage the gearbox" -load of rubbish. Another fallacy of economic driving is that you save fuel by "coasting" to a stop out of gear. In gear, foot off the accelerator the fuel is cut off, adding to the braking effect. Out of gear, the engine is "ticking over" at about 600 rpm, using fuel, and not contributing to any braking.

Answer 2

You waste fuel.  The slow pickup would be in too high of gear not too low.  Lower gears will allow for faster acceleration and run up to red line faster.  High gears would result in slower acceleration and wasting of fuel with pedal to floor acceleration hence the idea of downshifting to pass someone fast.

The fuel management system will deliver more fuel as demanded by throttle position and wait for the engine to get where you want it.  So better use of gearing and throttle would be more economical.  A smaller increase in throttle pressure would be better for fuel economy.

Answer 3

You are wasting fuel. When you hit the gas pedal, a certain amount of fuel is going into the engine. If you floor it, but aren't using it, the rest is wasted.

Answer 4

Means you're a rubbish driver who forgets what gear you're in.

Answer 5

"fuel management system?"  No such thing.  Your gear selection, accelerator control, braking, and vehicle maintenance are your fuel management system.  Your BRAIN is your fuel management system.  

The only thing the car does automatically is decide how much fuel is needed for how much power at how many RPMs.  You decide everything the car uses to decide.  

And yes, it wastes gas like it's going out of style.  You want to be in as high a gear as possible, with the RPMs as low as you can keep them, without the engine feeling sluggish, and DEFINITELY without the car starting to vibrate.