Last month, this Australian couple crushed their own fuel efficiency record when they ended their 9,505-mile trip across the United States in Ashburn, driving a Volkswagen Jetta and getting a world record 67.9 miles per gallon. Just last year, they made the same drive and set a record with 58.8 mpg. The difference, they said, was better weather and their tires. The feat was recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records.
What made you try this again?
Helen: We were challenged by Goodyear to use their new Fuel Max tires and took them up on it. The tires made a big difference, but there were others as well.
John: We had fewer head winds, and we weren’t pounded as much by rain.
How did you get into this?
Helen: For me it started with just challenging myself when I drove to improve my fuel economy. I then heard of an opportunity in Britain to actually try to set a world record. That’s where I met John, who already ran a fuel academy teaching people driving techniques to lower the gas usage.
John: To me it’s about helping people save money. It’s not just preaching driving techniques but showing them how they can hold onto their money better.
What driving techniques would you recommend?
John: Using the right tires … There are also simple techniques, like checking the tire pressure. One pound per square inch underinflated and you can lose 3 percent of fuel efficiency. So we checked the tires every time we filled up with gas.
Helen: It’s also important to be calm and relaxed when you drive and know where you’re going so you don’t get lost and spend gas driving around. Being relaxed helps you drive smoothly. We noticed drivers speeding a lot, too. Speeding increases your wind resistance. We stayed between 5 and 10 mph below the speed limit.
John: For more information, you can visit the U.S. Department of Energy Web site, www.fueleconomy.com.
