Identification of optimized techniques for operating motor vehicles. Executive summary

This program was performed to provide new and verified information regarding the operation of motor vehicles to improve fuel economy. The study was directed toward driver operating techniques which could be shown to be applicable to the majority of vehicles in service through the 1985 model year. Data were developed that could readily be disseminated into driver training programs. Because of the limitations in data collection from normal driving conditions, much of this study was conducted using simulated driving situations while operating the vehicles on a chassis dynamometer. Tests involving air conditioning and tire pressures were run on selected roadways where numerous replications could be run for each test parameter. Numerous operating techniques were of interest. Acceleration and deceleration rates, steady speed driving, anticipation of traffic events, effect of cold starts, high and low tire pressures, and the use of air conditioning are items which come within the operators control and were shown to have an influence on fuel economy.