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  • Long Distance Advice

    Further to my last post - I have bought a Smart City Coupe Pulse Soft Tip that I am collecting on Sat. The plan was (and still is) to use on the handful of days I need to go into meetings at my office with suit /tie etc - I normally cycle to work so can't cycle in rain etc.

    Anyway just been thrown another issue - I have now been tasked with helping setup a new office in Reading - In addition to the meetings at HQ I now have to drive 1 day a week to Reading (from Nottingham) - A journey of around 3 hours (130 miles)! Obviously a smart car is not ideal for motorway cruising but as I have already committed to buying it in that I have added to my insurance / got it taxed etc I can't really do much about it.

    Any tips on long distance driving with the smart - All my previous cars have been Ford Focus sized or bigger (with engines to match) so not really used to driving lighter weight cars down the motorway.

    If I drive at a slower (but still acceptable) 60 mph in 6th gear on the motorway realistically can I still expect to hit 45+ MPG (assuming correct tyre pressures / windows up etc)

    Any other advice or things to check after a long journey ? I have heard that Smart's tend to use oil is it worth having a small 1ltr pot of GTX in the boot for topping up ?

    Ta.

  • #2
    I've never really understood this notion of a 450 not being ideal for long distance driving, my 599cc used to 90-100 miles a day for a couple of years without any incidents but anyway...

    Keep an eye out for crosswinds, so on a windy day, make sure you keep a hold of that steering wheel. Drop a gear or two when overtaking and use the rev range of the car.

    If I drive at a slower (but still acceptable) 60 mph in 6th gear on the motorway realistically can I still expect to hit 45+ MPG (assuming correct tyre pressures / windows up etc)
    I see no reason why this wouldn't be the case.

    I have heard that Smart's tend to use oil is it worth having a small 1ltr pot of GTX in the boot for topping up ?
    Not unless you know the car is burning oil and if that is the case, then you may need to have a engine rebuild if it hasn't had one recently. Course, there can be other reason why the car might be consuming oil.
    Last edited by Ocracoke; 31-01-18, 11:43 AM.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by whunt18885 View Post

      If I drive at a slower (but still acceptable) 60 mph in 6th gear on the motorway realistically can I still expect to hit 45+ MPG (assuming correct tyre pressures / windows up etc)

      .
      70mph and mid to high 40s mpg is still on. Even using 80mph on down hills and level wont dent the figure too much.
      You will be changing down a gear for gradient/headwinds more than you are used to but there's a lever for that so no concern.

      New to you car - monitor oil consumption with zeal.

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      • #4
        Thanks

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        • #5
          I would just rent a car those days.

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          • #6
            Biggest issue with motorway driving in a Smart ForTwo, is being bullied by other drivers! Stick to your lane, speed rather than be intimidated to change lane / speed by some idiot who looks at a small car and thinks it must be slow and shouldn't be in front of them!

            John

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            • #7
              Part of my commute in my 451, involves just 2 miles on the M61. While I realise it's an exposed section of motorway, Ocracoke is correct by suggesting you hold onto the steering wheel ..... the cross wind can move me half a lane. Though I've driven the 100 miles to Brum in my Roadster, I'd not look forward to the same journey in my 451.
              And as Heinkeljb says ..... don't be bullied.

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              • #8
                The Smart 450 is good for long distance driving. I done Banchory to Dover and Dover to Banchory in just ten hours at least a dozen times.

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                • #9
                  There is absolutely no problem with "long distance cruising" in a smart - we regularly took our 450 from Hampshire to Yorkshire, and my Roadster does Hampshire to Scotland at least once a year.

                  Mind you, you may wish to consider adding cruise control -it makes the whole journey a lot more relaxing.

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                  • yammy
                    yammy commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Hi, just noticed your post commenting on cruise control. I have just got an MDC Cruise Control Kit and am trying to find somone who can fit it. It looks quite simple but I dont trust myself. Have you had one installed ?

                • #10
                  I have a weekly 'commute from Bath to Gateshead in my 451 diesel. 300 miles each way, which usually takes around 5 - 6 hours. 've done it in my other half's Mini Cooper D, and felt no more, or less tired at the end in either car. Yes, it moves around a bit if it's windy, but that just helps me stay awake! I never feel bullied by other cars, I stick to 70mph, get around 65 - 70mpg (I'm lucky if the Mini manages to top 50mpg), and just treat is as any other journey in any car.

                  It's a car, and is as suited to any journey you want to do in it.

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