does driving at a constant speed (pressing the accelerator constantly but with varying amounts) give better gas mileage or does getting to a certain speed and coasting for a while before pressing the accelerator do better? Why?

Question

I feel like the first one should do better, but I don’t get why, and while I’m driving I keep thinking the second version will somehow end up better – but how do hills affect this?

In: 3

Answer 1

In your second scenario it sounds like you’re describing [Pulse and Glide ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy-efficient_driving#Pulse_and_glide) which has been shown to be more efficient than maintaining a steady speed.

The reason being is that gas engines are most efficient at wide open throttle.