Checking out cars lately, driving strange and novel contraptions, I miss my electronic performance monitors that are built into Toyota Priuses. Without seeing the efficiency of the engine and the track of a trip’s MPG, how can a person know that they are driving well?
I advise the Big Toe.
This simple technique eases acceleration, maintains consistent speeds, and reduces the chance of flooring it, an absolute killer of driving performance. For me, it gave 48-52 MPG consistently in the Prius and allowed a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage (combined MPG of ~40) to reach high-40s and even touch 50 MPG a few trips.
Was I keeping up with traffic? Absolutely! Heck, the Big Toe method required that I get out of right-lanes and into passing-lanes more often than not.
Here is how to leverage this skill your own way:
- With the car in Drive, rest your foot flat on the accelerator, heel anchored to the floor.
- Gently curl your big toe down and in – like you are squeezing your toes – while keeping the heel at the same angle. You are not pushing the foot down or pivoting on the heel, only curling the big toe.
- Profit! You are now getting on your way with a gentle acceleration at very little effort. You are driving lightly with big gains to performance, consistency of technique, and a general pleasantness to others on the road.
Gotta give credit where due, since the Big Toe is not my own: Remember the show SpongeBob? The animated sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea? How about now?
Some of the best driving advice I can advise on comes from SpongeBob’s attempts to get their drivers license, friend Patrick helping them cheat on the test. I tried it out with the Prius’s performance tools to measure gains of conservatively 7-8 MPG!
Wisdom can be found in so many places 😂
Though I advise the Big Toe, don’t take my (or SpongeBob’s / Patrick’s) word for it. Try it out for a week, see where you go.
Report back here! Am I just imagining the improvement? Supposing I am a better driver for the wrong reasons? Let me know, I look forward to improving. Cheers to your travels!
Jimmy Chattin 