Another former lurker

[fanamingo]

Hey, I've been reading threads for a few weeks and like what I've seen. I came across the site while searching for ways to improve my fuel economy after being disappointed my already conservative driving style was only matching the EPA's estimates. My 5.5 mile commute doesn't help since the engine takes a couple minutes to warm up each time.

I've been trying to coast a bit longer to red lights, turning off the engine at lights rather than idling, and allowing the car to lose some momentum going up hills. I've tried the pulse and glide technique a couple of times but don't feel safe with the decreased handling (almost hit the mailbox turning into the driveway at ~4mph ).

Wishlist includes a Scan Guage, and I'm thinking about frost plug and oil pan heaters as well as a front grill block (all subject to my wife's approval).

Cheers,
fanamingo

[MetroMPG]

Hi fanamingo -

I've driven an '07 LX auto as well, and, man! The steering is stiffer in that car with the engine off than in any other I've driven for a long while. It's surprising, considering the car's size. I wouldn't hold it against you if you opted not to shut the engine off for coasting.

You're on the right track with the items you're considering: definitely go for the ScanGauge.

I don't know if you were following my thread about testing block & coolant heaters, but they make an enormous difference for short trips. I was able to pull off a 90 mpg (US), 8 km (5 mile) round trip after running the last test in that series - ie. the engine was toasty warm. (Admittedly this was on mostly deserted streets, using lots of P&G and engine-off-coasting up to stops, etc). But those types of numbers are normally out of the question with a cold engine at this time of year.

(And, pssst - I bet your wife wouldn't even notice a stealthily designed grille block )

Anyway - welcome to the site.

Darin

[Lazarus]

Welcome.

With that short a commute the block heater will really help along with the grill block. I'm with Metro, a Scan gauge is a must if you really want to get in the game. Good luck with the FE persuasion

[AndrewJ]

My wife has a similar predicament, a short commute and (the resulting) terrible FE. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the motivation to do much about it.

I'd try a grill block (helps with the warming up sooner) and a block heater. As for passing the wifes approval, I always just try to pass it off as "normal maintenence"
And in your case, if you do the install yourself (TomO has a nice DIY) it shouldn't be too pricey.