Thinking Outside Of The Box 2

I'm the kind of guy who's always trying to come up with better methods to accomplish goals, be they mundane or essential. For example, I have developed two ideas for mail carriers to sort mail faster (I recently retired from the USPS). One was adopted nationwide, while the other is now being officially evaluated. But you'll have to be the judge whether there's a madness to my method, or vice versa, in this series.

Most everyone is trying to get better gas mileage these days, whether you think the Earth is in some kind of danger, or you're just trying trying to save a few bucks. But very few folks with standard transmissions in the US drive in the very efficient way that most of the world has learned to drive, because much of the world pays twice as much per gallon as we do. Instead of shifting at 3000 rpm or higher like your dad taught you, try shifting at 2400. Unless you're in a big hurry or you're on a freeway entrance ramp, you'll probably have plenty of power. Of course, if you hear the engine pinging, shift at a higher engine speed, but if not, your car will be fine and you'll save gas. Generally speaking, the lower your engine speed, the less gas you're using.
I always get 36 or 37 mpg in my 2007 Honda Fit, even though the EPA says it should only get 30.