Any tips for a Delivery Guy?

[Chalupa102]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

I haven't studied it scientifically. I do know, though, that the Scangauge reports the 2010 Accord idles on 25% less fuel in N than in D. Has anyone else with a ScanGauge and an automatic compared gph in N vs D?

It's definitely less as well with my '05 Toyota Corolla A/T. If i don't shut down at lights then i'll put it in neutral. I don't p&g with my car either, but i'm always NICE-on coasting when i can, especially to red lights.

[winkosmosis]

Originally Posted by Clev

Your engine is turning at lower RPM because the transmission is churning fluid around in the torque converter instead of sitting in neutral. Several people on this forum have confirmed with their Scangauge or MPGuino that the engine uses less fuel in neutral.

That said, I wouldn't use shift back and forth unless you know the light is a long one, and never for P&G. The auto in my Ranger had to go back into the shop after being shifted back into Drive during P&G.

See, this is what I'm saying. Putting extra wear on the vehicle, especially something it's not made to do, is a bad idea.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by winkosmosis

See, this is what I'm saying. Putting extra wear on the vehicle, especially something it's not made to do, is a bad idea.

There's a difference between doing it at a stoplight and doing it at 55 mph.

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by thatguitarguy

Says it all...

Actually, it says that when I present anecdotal evidence, I acknowledge it as anecdotal evidence. Want to prove me wrong? Get a car with a slushbox, measure fuel injector pulswidth in D with the brakes on, and in N. Easy as pie.

But I don't think I'm wrong, as the anecdotes explain. Got any contrariwise anecdotes?

[Thymeclock]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

No idling, no warming up, take weight out. I personally wouldn't p&g an a/t; I'd learn what the best accel rate is, and where to momentarily lift the throttle to induce an upshift, and what is the slowest speed it'll cruise at in top gear.

Very good advice IMHO, (unlike some of the argumentation that followed).

Try to time your trips such that either: the engine is never really cold OR if it is really cold you have many deliveries to make such that it does not cool down enough to matter.

If it's below freezing, consider doing a full radiator block. Cold weather operation is a fuel robber.

If you are not sure about the transmission design, don't throw it into neutral unless you can coast to a full stop and then put it back into drive after a standstill. Rebuilding an A/T costs well over 1000 bucks. Ruining your A/T is not worth saving a few $$ in gas.

If you are driving in warm or hot weather, put it in neutral at long stoplights or shut it off. It will take a load off the transmission (reduce heat wear), save a small bit of fuel and can do no harm other than the wear on the starter in restarting the engine.

Accelerate moderately but ASAP into high gear if possible (like if the speed limit is 40 or so); don't take forever in ultra slow acceleration through the lower gears, because they deliver poorer fuel economy.

Don't remove your spare tire - unless you want to be hitchhiking the day you get a flat tire.

[Frank Lee]

Re: spare: I think it depends on your history. I went for years without a spare because at that time, it had been even more years since I had tire trouble that required a spare. So I'd say if you haven't been needing a spare, you can probably get away without one, but then have another plan for flats. I had a can of fix-a-flat in the car with no spare - but never used it.

Then I started to run tires until they blow. I am fully aware of the state of the bad tires but am extracting the last mile outta them. So in that case I have a good spare onboard ready to go at all times.

[luvit]

mm k, so drive slower, coast at yellow/orange lights or just stop if you think it'll turn red, drive 5mph under the speed limit, gradually take off from a complete stop, take the longer route that's fuel efficient.

after turning off the car run to the house so you can get back to your warm engine and i;ll eat the cold pizza. lol.

or drive fast, deliver hot pizzas, and get a decent tip.
i tip good, but i bet many people don't.

[Sulfuric]

I start delivering pizzas tomorrow for Marco's, and I don't need any schooling on how to drive my car efficiently, I'm already doing amazingly well. However, I've never delivered anything before as a job. Any tips?

Example: Should I leave my rear wheel skirts on? Do you think it would hurt/help tips if someone saw my car?

[Frank Lee]

You might get more tips if you put a skirt on. Or not.

[Sulfuric]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

You might get more tips if you put a skirt on. Or not.

Thanks Frank. I always appreciate the time and effort you take to post.