Joe's top tips for more mpg
 

If you wish to get the maximum mpg from your car you can drive it carefully, avoid labouring the engine at all times, minimise using the brakes by looking further ahead and anticipating the road more, hang well back from the car in front etc. but here are a few extra things that I do to save fuel.

1. Make sure the car has no engine / gearbox faults. The engine must be able to get up to temperature quickly, temp dial half way and stay there or your mpg will be really bad.
2. Ensure tyres are good and pressures are correct.
3. Ensure the wheels track perfectly.
4. At over 60mph the aerodynamics affect mpg, a clean car slips through the air better, so wash your car if it's muddy and you are going to use the motorway.
5. When climbing hills go for 1900-2000 revs. Change gear to keep the engine at 1900 rpm as for the required road speed. 1900rpm is the maximum torque of the CDT.
6. Don't use the heater on hot until the engine has warmed up.
7. Reduce weight by removing junk from the boot and back seat. Run the car with less fuel in the tank. Use 2 stroke to save the fuel pump.
8. Only use the aircon when going downhill.
9. Turn off the heated rear screen when it's not needed.
10. Minimise FBH use and windscreen wiper use by only driving when it's not raining and warm outside.

I get pretty good mpg I think my car is going well, anyone else got any good tips to eak out extra mpg?

I can't think of any more tips, especially any that could top numbers 4 and 10.

We had a guy drive around with all van driving employees last year who the company used to cut the fuel bill. He strongly advocated block gear changes when moving off i.e. 1 - 3 - 5 and changing gear at around 2500 rpm. Another method is to get to your required speed as soon as possible and then feathering the throttle to maintain. Both will see a huge benefit in economy. Love these threads!

If trying to squeeze any extra fuel economy is so important, sell the car and walk or buy a bike. :D

I think - other than keeping your car in good mechanical condition - one of the most important factors for fuel economy is observation and planning while you're driving.

When I was 19 I achieved gold standard in my IAM test, and since applying everything I learned in the training I received there, my average fuel economy improved dramatically. I still use the performance of my cars nicely, but really maintaining momentum as well as [b]being in the correct gear for the speed/b] is something that people really overlook!

I don't advocate any of this hypermiling stuff you read about in the papers - I enjoy my cars and that includes heating, air con, radio, windscreen wipers etc... and I always average a decent consumption for the car I'm driving.

No aircon!
 

I am afraid I couldn't go with the air con switched off. Had a journey from Tayport to Coningsby this year in the summer without air con. Was melted when we got there. Aircon on on for me! Also keeps the screen nice and clear when it is chucking it down. :shrug:

Chris

:wot:

Forward planning, anticipation and observation.
Otherwise, you are using a lot of petrol to heat the brakes up. ;) :D

The temperature gauge doesn't actually tell you that. The 'normal' line is reached at 75°C. If the thermostat is dodgy the temperature may stay there, and the gauge will stay put and you'll get poor fuel economy. The only way to confirm the correct running temperature/fuel efficiency is to use the diagnostic mode temperature display or fit a proper gauge.

TC

This is a joke, right!?

I can imagine trying to use that excuse when I'm late for work. Sorry boss, I like to get the best MPG and because it was raining I decided to wait at home...