GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Fuel Economy > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: Why do idiots use brakes when they're going downhill and then floor it when they go up the next hill	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Sal30 Rookie Author Philadelphia Posts:39 Points:680 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2012 7:24:20 PM Ignore Sal30 Report Abuse I'm following at a reasonable distance driving the speed limit, and the hill forces my car to go maybe 5 MPH above the speed limit and the idiot in front of me uses his brakes to slow down to 5 mph BELOW the speed limit then he floors it up the next hill. Why not just use the downhill portion to generate some speed up to 10 mph above the speed limit, so that you can carry that kinetic energy to the top of the next hill while slowly decelerating up the hill so that you when you reach the apex of the hill, you'd be right at the speed limit.

Sal30

Rookie Author
Philadelphia

Posts:39
Points:680
Joined:Mar 2007

Message Posted: Mar 17, 2012 7:24:20 PM

Ignore Sal30 Report Abuse

I'm following at a reasonable distance driving the speed limit, and the hill forces my car to go maybe 5 MPH above the speed limit and the idiot in front of me uses his brakes to slow down to 5 mph BELOW the speed limit then he floors it up the next hill. Why not just use the downhill portion to generate some speed up to 10 mph above the speed limit, so that you can carry that kinetic energy to the top of the next hill while slowly decelerating up the hill so that you when you reach the apex of the hill, you'd be right at the speed limit.

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

suchont Veteran Author Los Angeles Posts:308 Points:170,015 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2012 2:30:38 AM Ignore suchont Report Abuse i thought i was the only one. i keep getting passed on the up hill side, then on the down hill side, i have to weave between all those cars that spent all the gas to go up hill.
Terzo All-Star Author Orange County Posts:826 Points:146,165 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 11, 2012 7:49:12 PM Ignore Terzo Report Abuse To save gas I have learned over the years to minimize brake usage except when necessary because of the loss of kinetic energy. Going down a hill your method works well as long as you don't go too fast and get a ticket. I have another gas saving technique when approaching red lights. Depending on traffic, I take my foot off the gas way in advance and let it coast. If my timing is right I won't have to come to a complete stop which keeps my momentum working for me and saves gas.
Terzo All-Star Author Orange County Posts:826 Points:146,165 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 11, 2012 7:36:21 PM Ignore Terzo Report Abuse There are some real idiot drivers out there, that's why. I once rode with a lady who drove with one foot on the gas and another on the brake. Not only was it scary to ride with her, but think of the gas it wasted. She was stubborn as well as idiotic. I tried convincing her how dangerous and wasteful she drove, but she wouldn't listen to a word of it.
close2broke All-Star Author Detroit Posts:967 Points:495,500 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Apr 11, 2012 5:21:03 PM Ignore close2broke Report Abuse Spot on jamieg2012. A woman I work with got a ticket yesterday on her way home from work. The cop, we all know he's there at the bottom of the hill during the pm rush hour got her and a couple others this time.
jamieg2012 Veteran Author Sioux Falls Posts:286 Points:11,385 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Apr 11, 2012 5:06:39 PM Ignore jamieg2012 Report Abuse agreed oilerfan also about the comment about the braking assist - not all newer cars have it mine does not so i either use the brake a couple times here and there to keep down to the speed limit or gravity works the little physics magic and makes me go way past the speed limit basic physics and compounding momentum on a falling object - a car is basically in a controlled fall when rolling down a hill so if you want to limit the momentum you have to act on with a opposing force - the brakes
bikergirlss Champion Author Kansas Posts:2,783 Points:178,850 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2012 9:08:15 AM Ignore bikergirlss Report Abuse No idea, nor do I understand the riding on the brake all the way down the hill thing. A lot of cars now come with a downhill assist that slows the car purposefully as long as its in drive. I am a coaster, forward momentum is what its all about!
kxy4fw Champion Author Denver Posts:1,226 Points:275,355 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2012 8:02:52 AM Ignore kxy4fw Report Abuse No clue.
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:14,179 Points:2,457,350 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2012 6:39:10 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse I wish they'd make people test for the kinds of vehicles they could drive, just like truckers test for the big rigs. I see people driving SUVs and larger vehicles that they are totally incapable of keeping in a lane or parking in a single parking spot adequately. If we could get those morons to be driving smaller vehicles, that would help on gas consumption, as well as safety on the road immensely.
cjjr2012 Sophomore Author Sarasota Posts:166 Points:30,035 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2012 5:19:56 AM Ignore cjjr2012 Report Abuse Brake going down hill to slow the car if it is traveling too quickly ... best not to take it out of gear when going down hill ... keep it in gear ... with my prius i use the braking function in the gear box ... helps to generate recharging
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,923 Points:2,922,335 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2012 4:21:45 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse Could be that there is traffic in front of them that you don't see. Why do people continually ride their brakes and keep the brake light on all of the time?
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:23,062 Points:3,550,060 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Apr 10, 2012 12:18:10 AM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse "Inadequacy!! They Do The Same While Approaching A Stop Sign Or Light" Umm, you don't want them to use their brakes when they are supposed to stop? Or you don't want them to stop at the sign or red light?
noblegiant Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,185 Points:965,520 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 11:43:30 PM Ignore noblegiant Report Abuse Inadequacy!! They Do The Same While Approaching A Stop Sign Or Light
OSW Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:6,987 Points:577,690 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 2:05:38 PM Ignore OSW Report Abuse G' Day
sluggopyle Champion Author North Carolina Posts:23,608 Points:1,075,890 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 10:58:31 AM Ignore sluggopyle Report Abuse => most people were never taught to downshift, even on an automatic transmission, when going downhill/uphill <= There's a reason for half of that; you don't DOWNshift going downhill (except in the case of a steep extended mountain road where you might actually want engine braking). All that would do is waste the inertia you already have. Uphill = downshift; downhill = upshift (or coast).
cheap2010skate Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,806 Points:635,535 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 10:58:30 AM Ignore cheap2010skate Report Abuse My father is in his 80's and will use the brakes going downhill so the car won't "go too fast for him to handle."
jamieg2012 Veteran Author Sioux Falls Posts:286 Points:11,385 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 10:40:13 AM Ignore jamieg2012 Report Abuse those that never seen a cop at bottom of hills just get lucky when they do these speeding traps they do actually like to hide and you not see them is the way they like things they want you to think they are not there so you will speed idiots is those that speed because they think the limit is not fast enough or they want to save gas by getting interstate economy through the middle of town you can get the tickets - idiots like to ignore the law for personal gain
fondupot Sophomore Author Illinois Posts:180 Points:92,280 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 10:37:10 AM Ignore fondupot Report Abuse Cuz they are idiots. you said it yourself.
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,100 Points:1,869,875 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2012 12:00:32 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse most people were never taught to downshift, even on an automatic transmission, when going downhill/uphill
cheapmonkee Champion Author Portland Posts:30,482 Points:3,198,135 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 6:09:45 PM Ignore cheapmonkee Report Abuse I keep it in drive down hills. I have a 4 speed automatic and put the selector in 3 when needed to keep the speed under control, extend the life of the brakes, stay ticket free (oink, oink) and get the DFCO free ride.
Banjoe Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:4,454 Points:640,620 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 4:07:57 PM Ignore Banjoe Report Abuse Never have seen the police at the bottom of hills but many, many times just over the top of them. I wish I had an answer why people drive the way they do but haven't been able to figure it out yet. I can tell you that anyone who drives faster than me is an idiot and those who drive slower are morons. Sadly, this about sums up my observations from 50 years of driving.
sc331mustang Champion Author South Carolina Posts:2,281 Points:519,990 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 3:21:51 PM Ignore sc331mustang Report Abuse I don't brake down hill. Actually I will speed up slightly and that could carry a car a good portion up the next hill. That can save a lot of gas and brakes. If you are in the mountains you should you your transmission to slow down. Brake could overheating increasing stopping distance or possibly catch on fire.
jamieg2012 Veteran Author Sioux Falls Posts:286 Points:11,385 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 11:57:39 AM Ignore jamieg2012 Report Abuse as people said before - cops like to hide at the bottom of hills and give out tickets if you are going to pay my tickets and higher insurance then i will quit using brakes to make sure i am not speeding on the way down until then let it be you that gets the tickets and higher insurance because you keep getting them
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,123 Points:37,065 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 11:35:20 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Most likely that person,when a child got pushed down a Slippy-Slide crying against their will,an a lot of sounds of Laughing going on at the same time.... If one thinks you can make a horse drink after leading them to the water trough,try a donkey for better practice. Really I think the drivers are convinced that their cruise control always saves fuel,no matter what so on is best,also it's a convenience right! The next hill? Sounds like you may have been a little too close by his standards of reasonable distance,not knowing but just a thought... Their are drivers out there that have been rear-ended before maybe more than once,Ouch! Ouch! bin there before.....
veloman Sophomore Author Connecticut Posts:196 Points:4,430 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2012 5:47:22 PM Ignore veloman Report Abuse Because many people have no concept of how much energy/power it takes to move a car, let alone accelerate it on an uphill. Road cycling will teach you how to move efficiently.I know, it's incredibly annoying to be behind a yo-yo driver. Eats up mpg big time.
wamster Champion Author Houston Posts:4,410 Points:719,365 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2012 10:58:41 AM Ignore wamster Report Abuse Just like the car behind me, speeds up and passes me. Then gets back in my lane in front of me, puts on his brakes and slows down to make a right turn. This happened to me last night. The key word is "idiot".
gasmask78 Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,385 Points:467,770 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 11:26:54 PM Ignore gasmask78 Report Abuse I agree with the 'idiot' comment.
97PearlCat Champion Author Tulsa Posts:4,103 Points:860,395 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 9:26:45 PM Ignore 97PearlCat Report Abuse Because they are idiots.
WEDDY Champion Author Phoenix Posts:3,381 Points:1,064,245 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 7:04:59 PM Ignore WEDDY Report Abuse lack of experience and/or common sense.
eyefishpa Rookie Author San Antonio Posts:28 Points:3,800 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 11:21:39 AM Ignore eyefishpa Report Abuse Sneaky cops at the bottom of the hill hidden behind a bush.
cindipaz Rookie Author Arizona Posts:33 Points:3,500 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2012 11:16:42 PM Ignore cindipaz Report Abuse i think you anready answered your own question-because they are idiots!
Dale Jr. Champion Author Illinois Posts:16,364 Points:3,263,775 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 27, 2012 12:14:51 PM Ignore Dale Jr. Report Abuse I ask that same question. And not all hills will have a officer sitting at the bottom of the hill.
CactusBobs Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,816 Points:496,750 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Mar 26, 2012 11:23:09 PM Ignore CactusBobs Report Abuse there's a cop at the bottom of the hill
sales_driver Rookie Author Connecticut Posts:9 Points:255,190 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 25, 2012 8:25:50 PM Ignore sales_driver Report Abuse So why do they think they have to keep a steady speed? Certainly not to save gas or keep tragic flowing. No, I think they are trying to impose their will on the greater population.
pinbuster2005 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:5,210 Points:1,524,650 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2012 3:48:19 AM Ignore pinbuster2005 Report Abuse The reason I think people do that is because they can't keep a steady speed and know how use the gas pedal to keep that speed if they don't have cruise control.
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:23,062 Points:3,550,060 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2012 7:15:46 PM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse Sometimes the idiot who uses his brakes didn't use them last week and got a speeding ticket at the bottom of that same hill. Have you never seen radar cars behind a tree or billboard at the bottom of a long hill? I have, not often, but it only takes one ticket to make a person brake on that same hill for the rest of their driving careers. 5mph UNDER is excessively cautionary, though. Just a thought. It could also be a rather inexperienced driver as well. I was lucky, when I learned to drive, half my time was on the highway, but some trainee drivers never get exposed to anything outside the city. It is silly to floor it to get up the hill, I agree. Personally, I don't let my speed go over about 10-12 km/hr on the downhill just in case. If there is a valley, I gently build a bit of speed on the flat to counter some of the uphill needs.
sluggopyle Champion Author North Carolina Posts:23,608 Points:1,075,890 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2012 6:04:36 PM Ignore sluggopyle Report Abuse Because you're right -- they're idiots. These clowns are costing not only themselves fuel economy but everybody behind them. So yes HotRod -- it IS my gas. And anyone else stuck behind the idiot. Accelerating uphill is the worst thing you can do for fuel economy. That's one reason I gently accelerate DOWNhill so I've got momentum to carry me up the next one. See also this thread [Edited by: sluggopyle at 3/20/2012 7:10:08 PM EST]
HotRod10 Champion Author Wyoming Posts:2,325 Points:41,230 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2012 12:31:00 PM Ignore HotRod10 Report Abuse Maybe they're not comfortable going the speed limit. Who cares? It's not your gas.
rhail2 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:1,452 Points:287,485 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2012 9:22:36 AM Ignore rhail2 Report Abuse they are idiots
Dennis783 Champion Author Des Moines Posts:13,730 Points:2,729,860 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2012 8:30:59 AM Ignore Dennis783 Report Abuse I don't worry about what they are thinking, I just pass them when I get a chance.
10261970 All-Star Author Sacramento Posts:977 Points:265,145 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2012 8:51:07 AM Ignore 10261970 Report Abuse Because they are in their own little world.
BlueberryFocus All-Star Author Rochester Posts:553 Points:129,510 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2012 8:06:16 AM Ignore BlueberryFocus Report Abuse Some people gun it because otherwise the feel like they won't get up the hill... that's what I gather from my dad anyway
W4YAH Champion Author Florida Posts:1,223 Points:247,845 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2012 7:16:09 AM Ignore W4YAH Report Abuse What a clown to slow down to 5 under the speed limit then struggle to get up the hill. Maybe they were tired of peddling.
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:14,179 Points:2,457,350 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2012 6:55:34 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse I agree. I see morons ride the brakes downhill and then struggle to get back up hill. It is amazing to me how dumb people can be sometimes.
1bigham Champion Author Richmond Posts:2,293 Points:497,735 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2012 6:01:29 AM Ignore 1bigham Report Abuse common sense aint common
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,100 Points:1,869,875 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2012 12:03:22 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse because they are idiots
cheapmonkee Champion Author Portland Posts:30,482 Points:3,198,135 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2012 5:15:25 PM Ignore cheapmonkee Report Abuse I like to keep my speed at the limit or just a few mph over. On a hill if the speed creeps up too high I lock it in 3 on my 4 speed automatic and shift back to OD when it is at the limit. Fuel is cut off coasting down the hill when in gear.
jimmy544 Champion Author Boston Posts:4,373 Points:680,580 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2012 1:34:05 PM Ignore jimmy544 Report Abuse Put er in neutral and let er rip YEEEEE HAAAAAWWWWWW Mexican Overdrive!!!!!!
PatAZ Champion Author Tucson Posts:9,285 Points:123,500 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2012 12:01:56 PM Ignore PatAZ Report Abuse For one things cops like to hide at the bottom of hills so 10 over isn't too smart.
jes Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:16,295 Points:3,378,225 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2012 8:52:04 AM Ignore jes Report Abuse That would make sense. Sense is becoming very scarce these days.
OceanArcher Champion Author Mississippi Posts:5,838 Points:1,354,125 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2012 8:41:44 AM Ignore OceanArcher Report Abuse You are describing a condition called "lack of planning" on the part of the driver you are following. Frustrating yes, but unfortunately, all too common an occurrance these days