Catch slip stream from people in front of you:) I drove from WI to Chicago the past weekend and I got a very consistent 26~38 mpg variation while following a Ford Edge for 2 hours on mostly level roads. I was going 70~74mph and a little less than 5 car lengths behind.


Driving on the highway is so boring, at least this saves me money and keeps me alert and entertained.

I think you need to be a lot closer than 5 car lengths to do any good. Less than one, I would guess.

I think you need to be a lot closer than 5 car lengths to do any good. Less than one, I would guess.

I'm pretty sure you're right. Even with a transport you've gotta be well inside his mirrors rear blind spot...they generally don't like you back there when they can't see you.

Plus you get all the crap they kick off the road! No Thanks!

I took some pictures while at it...not so safe to drive and take pictures but I was getting amazing mpg that day:)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j255/weister42/Cars/IMG_1011.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j255/weister42/Cars/IMG_1009.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j255/weister42/Cars/IMG_1012.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j255/weister42/Cars/IMG_1014.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j255/weister42/Cars/IMG_1013.jpg

With my 95 Deville I could routinely get 25-27 MPG at those speeds on the freeway without tailgating. Based on your pictures, you seem to be focusing on the 'instant' MPG which would be less meaningful than 'average' MPG.

I'm not sure how accurate the 'mileage range' and 'fuel remaining' data is because I have never run it down to zero. If you assume that they are accurate though, it appears that the computer is assuming that you are getting about 24 MPG (408 miles and 17 gallons left). I'm not sure how much history that calculation is based on though.

Having said that, I have always been amazed at the great mileage that our cars can get given their size and comfort.

I have a 94 Deville that I just drove to Florida and back, approximately 1500 miles. I averaged 24.5 mpg while averaging between 75 and 80 on the open road.

Well I was getting that kind of figure constantly while behind someone, and when the car in front of me change lanes I can see my instant mpg drop by at least 4mpg, with me not doing a thing. I got 28.6mpg a few years ago driving on the same highway but I forgot to capture it this time.

I really think it's possible to get over 30mpg on the highway in my car. I'll try again next time.

I got 30 on my '97 right after I bought it on a trip up to Eagle River Wisc. Cruise set at 70, A/C on, no tailgating or trying to pick up anyones drag.