Editing Improving fuel economy
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A basic list of techniques for improving fuel economy. | A basic list of techniques for improving fuel economy. | ||
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==Driving technique== | ==Driving technique== | ||
− | *When stopped at a red light, | + | *When stopped at a red light, shift to neutral until it turns green. |
− | *Put a block of wood under your accelerator. No kidding. It really works, because of driving habits. Be | + | *Put a block of wood under your accelerator. No kidding. It really works, because of driving habits. Be mindfull of how you apply your fuel, think of it in terms of energy, like the cyclist who is trying to keep his legs from aching by pedaling too hard. Coast down hills and get a bit of a run before upcoming hills. And whatever you do, DONT keep working the accelerator on and off. Find a happy speed and hold it. Acceleration is the biggest energy burner. |
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==Miscellaneous== | ==Miscellaneous== | ||
*Avoid the temptation to remove all the smog equipment in search of MPG. In many cases they help, especially EGR. The smog equipment started becoming mainstream in the early 70s, ushering in SAE standardized dynomometer testing and heavy EPA mandates on emissions. The low MPG associated with that era is mistakenly blamed on smog equipment, when in fact it should be blamed on abyssmally low compression and lack of today's technology. They were neutered muscle car motors. | *Avoid the temptation to remove all the smog equipment in search of MPG. In many cases they help, especially EGR. The smog equipment started becoming mainstream in the early 70s, ushering in SAE standardized dynomometer testing and heavy EPA mandates on emissions. The low MPG associated with that era is mistakenly blamed on smog equipment, when in fact it should be blamed on abyssmally low compression and lack of today's technology. They were neutered muscle car motors. | ||
− | *Consider diesel in your next vehicle purchase. Although diesel prices are much higher right now, the associated mileage you can typically achieve almost always more than offsets the cost. Other benefits are monster torque, resistance to the fuel being ignited in an accident and the ease of using environmentally-friendly biofuels. Plus, the resale value alone will usually more than offset any additional maintenance cost. | + | *Consider diesel in your next vehicle purchase. Although diesel prices are much higher right now, the associated mileage you can typically achieve almost always more than offsets the cost. Other benefits are monster torque, resistance to the fuel being ignited in an accident and the ease of using environmentally-friendly biofuels. Plus, the resale value alone will usually more than offset any additional maintenance cost. |
*For the more adventurous, fold in your mirrors and tape up the gaps around your grille and headlights. A respected diesel magazine was able to get almost 2 more MPG from a Cummins diesel Dodge with this modification. | *For the more adventurous, fold in your mirrors and tape up the gaps around your grille and headlights. A respected diesel magazine was able to get almost 2 more MPG from a Cummins diesel Dodge with this modification. | ||
*Consult with others who have the same model of car before hacking into the suspension, but, depending on the aerodynamics of your vehicle, most cars can gain a little MPG by finding the right stance. | *Consult with others who have the same model of car before hacking into the suspension, but, depending on the aerodynamics of your vehicle, most cars can gain a little MPG by finding the right stance. | ||
*Don't assume a gear swap or overdrive will help. Best mileage occurs usually just below the torque peak, at or near peak VE. Making the RPMs too low can cause lugging, which means you'll be using more fuel trying to maintain speed. If you have a very high-rpm torque peak, then all bets are off, but chances are you're not worried about mileage anyway. | *Don't assume a gear swap or overdrive will help. Best mileage occurs usually just below the torque peak, at or near peak VE. Making the RPMs too low can cause lugging, which means you'll be using more fuel trying to maintain speed. If you have a very high-rpm torque peak, then all bets are off, but chances are you're not worried about mileage anyway. | ||
*Modern EFI cars are often tuned with a fuel map that keeps things a bit rich. This is for two reasons; first, to favor NO emissions at the expense of a little added HC emissions and secondly, to allow for a small buffer against detonation. Experienced reprogrammers (even Jet and Hypertech) use this information. By pulling a little fuel out of the curve, you can usually pick up 5 hp and sometimes just a little MPG. | *Modern EFI cars are often tuned with a fuel map that keeps things a bit rich. This is for two reasons; first, to favor NO emissions at the expense of a little added HC emissions and secondly, to allow for a small buffer against detonation. Experienced reprogrammers (even Jet and Hypertech) use this information. By pulling a little fuel out of the curve, you can usually pick up 5 hp and sometimes just a little MPG. | ||
− | *Resist the temptation to use a low-temp thermostat. True, it can make power | + | *Resist the temptation to use a low-temp thermostat. True, it can make power, but at the expense of MPG and oil life. Drivers like their engines to run cool, but engines like to run hot for their health. Using a 195 stat can often times really make a noticeable difference in MPG, and your healthy oil will thank you. |
− | *Avoid using exhaust crossover blockers. The hotter the intake air is, the better mileage it can get... of course at the expense of power. | + | *Avoid using exhaust crossover blockers. The hotter the intake air is, the better mileage it can get... of course at the expense of power. |
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==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||
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*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_economy Fuel Economy at Wikipedia] | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_economy Fuel Economy at Wikipedia] | ||
*[http://www.gasbuddy.com/ GasBuddy.com] -- lowest gas price search | *[http://www.gasbuddy.com/ GasBuddy.com] -- lowest gas price search | ||
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