So the last few times I had to drive 4.5 hours and 300+ miles from North Florida to South Florida, I left late at night.

A little coffee kept me up and I was able to set the cruise control at 75-78 the entire way. (Speed limit is 70.)

Needless to say, I got much better fuel economy than when I drive during the day and have to fight traffic.

You really have to take a long nap before you start driving though.

Staying awake with caffeine just makes you have to stop several times for the bathroom which negates the fuel savings.

Either way I suppose it can be dangerous if you aren't used to staying up late.

Anyone else prefer doing long road trips during the calm of the night?

 

Personally, I love road trips that go on well into the night. Nothing like cruising at 70mph at 1:00AM with no traffic.

Usually when I do it techno music is involved

 

thats right, let the bass beat you awake. that how i do it... need a new sub set up though >.>

 

word to that, nothing beats night drives, but im a night person i dont get that tired while driving haha. as far as savings go it makes sense, i know gas contracts in cooler weather, maybe that helps too

 

that maybe correct, but the gas contracting doesnt have much effect. its the air. cooler air is denser, but that actually hurts millage because you have to use more fuel to keep the A/F ratio where it needs to be

 

You probably see higher mpg because of the lack of traffic and it being easier to maintain a constant speed. I haven't been on a long road trip for a long time, whether at night or day. But, I graduate in a couple weeks, so that should change soon (hopefully).

 

I love driving at night with no traffic. It's peaceful, and fun And i agree, I throw in some dubstep too :P

 

That's true.

Probably more of a concern in colder climates than here in Florida.

__

I'll have to try listening to Techno, maybe the drive will go by faster.

 

I drive 625 miles one way from our winter home to summer home several times in the winter. I much prefer driving at night. Sometimes I leave in late afternoon other times I leave around 10-11 @ night. It is a 10 hour drive so if your going to jump on something like that you better like driving, have experience, drink fluids, Coffee is not good because it perks you up for a short while then it makes you tired. Get a good nights sleep or day be rested & roll.

 

I would argue that more dense air (aka cool & foggy atmosphere) would improve ecomomy rather than hurt it. My experience with Honda engines is that they like that type of weather... Driving in 110 degree heat seems to have the opposite effect for me. And to the point of night time driving improving fuel economy - most definitely. I do as much night driving as possible - throw in some dubstep and I'm alert!