Maximizing Fuel Economy

[MR2Jedi]

For best mileage I;
1.) Good tires that are properly inflated.
2.) Ignition components (cap, rotor, spark plugs and sparkplug wires) are all in good condition.
3.) Timing is correct and true
4.) Idles is properly set.
5.) Avoid fast accelerations(putt around-yukk)
6.)And I do my best to keep my heavy foot out of the turbo!
So I'm averaging 27-28mpg/hwy and 20-21mpg/city...not too bad

[RningOnFumes]

I want to include that the single most effective way to improve mileage is to simply slow down. It doesn't mean going from 80mph to 50mph, cold be as little as 5mph difference and you'll see a benefit.

[rty]

Originally Posted by RningOnFumes

I want to include that the single most effective way to improve mileage is to simply slow down. It doesn't mean going from 80mph to 50mph, cold be as little as 5mph difference and you'll see a benefit.

Agreed.

Check out this article if you want to see some numbers. Tires under-inflated by 25% produce a less than 5% decrease in economy. Yet changing your driving can improve your economy by 35%.

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fuelec...8/article.html

[RningOnFumes]

Nice article rty.

Another one would be... Learn to coast.

It's simple, driving isn't just either on the gas or on the brakes. Take your foot off and coast to that light or down that hill, reapply when you need to build speed.

[HATEnFATE]

I do and don't agree with the slow down method. In my avalon, with the cruise set at 70 mph I get 27-28 MPG consistantly. On the Trips where my cruise is set between 80-84, I usually average around 30-32 MPG.

I don't think it has to do with overall speed(although drag does make a difference) as much as how hard your engine is working based on where your RPM's sit in the prime HP range of the engine as your cruising.

[MR2Jedi]

^There is much truth to that. Different engines reach thier maximum efficiency at different RPM's. Cruise control helps a bunch at maintaining the constant speed at where your engines most efficient RPM range is.

[toyomoho]

As stated in previous posts, many drivers appear to have only two foot positions, foot on gas or foot on brake. Coasting if even just putting some room between your car and the one ahead can even out braking requirements and allow the car to coast before needing the gas again.

Not doubt this would also aid with congestion issues by smoothing out traffic flow out.

If on the freeway suggest picking a lane or two that matches ones driving style. As such one can keep a fairly steady speed without causing a line of cars behind or bumping into the cars ahead.

Some folks I ride are constantly pressing and releasing the gas pedal, which drives MPG down. Often drivers are not aware they are even doing this until it is pointed out to them.

Suggest drivers keep a heads up attitude when on the road (literally). They can be so distracted by kids, cell phone, coffee, talking, etc they are not in tune what is happening around them. As such they are forced to react quickly to a situation and the result is a disjointed driving pattern.

Suggest drivers read their owners manual, perhaps a short class on basic auto ownership covering tire inflation, oil and coolant checking.

[touringcamry]

I don't like people here who make me slow down...The main street has lights timed so that if I go 35 MPH, every light will be green when I get to it, but people always pass me and stop making me slow down and using more fuel to accelerate back to 35.

I adapted this by going about 32 MPH because this usually gets me to about 100 ft behind the stopped vehicles when the light turns green allowing them to accelerate and me to maintain my speed. I dunno how much fuel it saves, but I know it gets me to the freeway just as fast as those other people.

I'm also thinking about a methane injection system, but I don't know how effective it will be or the specifics of how to make it work. Right now I'm figuring out how to put a funnel into my seat without making it look like crap or making it uncomfortable.

[RningOnFumes]

lol

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

I don't like people here who make me slow down...and using more fuel to accelerate back to 35.

Yeah, a steady speed without slowing and having to re-accelerate again will yield more mileage..

Originally Posted by touringcamry

Right now I'm figuring out how to put a funnel into my seat without making it look like crap or making it uncomfortable.

Funnel? for what???

[RningOnFumes]

...he did say methane.

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by RningOnFumes

...he did say methane.

duh..I get it.. There may be money in that idea!!!
What would I do without you Dave?
Maybe I should sac out...

[xpeed]

Also a good set of aftermarket springs will slightly improve your mileage. Eibachs springs seems to have tested it.

[TRD-MX83]

Originally Posted by xpeed

Also a good set of aftermarket springs will slightly improve your mileage. Eibachs springs seems to have tested it.

But you have to wonder about a "test" that is done by a company that sells SPRINGS....

[Lauren]

Oh and keep your air filter clean. Keeping your car maintained helps a lot too.