Originally Posted by
fc321
Unpopular opinion:
You can mitigate alot of the highway losses by utilizing a 3 second draft. Im talking about tucking in behind a truck, van or SUV and following at a 3 second safe following distance.
The biggest problem (as far as fuel efficiency) on the motorway is the wind-resistance at those higher speeds. If you can shave some of that off (even 30% or more) of it by tucking-in and following 3 seconds behind a big vehicle then you you are going to reap substantial savings at the gas pump.
You can use that big vehicle in front of you are a "shield-against-the-wind" and profit from the fact that they are taking "the brunt" of the wind right on their chin, you can "tuck" into their wind-stream.....dont recommend this in too-much-congested traffic.... but its a reasonable strategy on long trips in isolated highways and also "if you are willing to absorb the risk" you can use same strategies in your daily commutes.
It works like this: The closer you are willing to get to the big vehicle, the better the gas savings for you but it is like walking a circus tight-rope because the closer to car in front you get the more dangerous you risk yourself. You understand me? You get too close then now cannot stop in time if big vehicle does something unexpected.
So up to you it is to make this decision of balance between both variables. I say 3 seconds is proper, never closer than 2 seconds, NEVER EVER. You find for yourself perfect balance for your own temperament.
The strategy is sound but human dumb brain in some cases cannot be relied upon (maybe) to react in time-fashion. So you decide for yourself with realistic and honest self-analysis.