Hi from Dublin, Ireland!

[Dord]

X

[cbaber]

Welcome!

City driving can be difficult. The best approach is to only have the engine on when you need it. For example if you need to stop ahead and have enough speed, coast with the engine off to a stop. Try to time the lights to preserve momentum. Keep the car in the highest gear that you can.

Outside driving techniques, have you done any ecomods? I would start with pumping up your tires to at least the maximum limit on the tires sidewall. Since you say its a heavy car, consider removing rear seats, spare tire, and other extra things that you may not need to save some weight.

Also, coasting in neutral or with the engine off (in neutral) is much more effective than coasting in gear. Your engine acts as a brake when you are in gear and not applying throttle. Combined with weight removal and pumping up your tires, your coasting distance should increase. Then you can start to master pulse and glide (P&G).

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Dord

while I can remove the seats in the car without any tools, I don't have space for them

The seats of a Mercedes might be more comfortable than a sofa

Unfortunately coasting in neutral or engine off isn't legal here, so in gear is the only option.

So the Prius should be outlawed there. BTW what about those cars fitted with start-stop? They basically do the engine-off coasting automatically

[mikeyjd]

Welcome! Be sure to read these to help you get started:

100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com
65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Dord

Their argument is that while in gear you have engine breaking and also the ability to speed up on your side should you get into a bad situation. I won't get into that debate though. I will say that I tested coasting in neutral and found it used more fuel. I would be too scared to attempt to test coasting with the engine off.

Neutral coasting worked well before the introduction of the EFI, then it became pointless regarding fuel savings. Regarding engine-off coasting, I've done it a few times just for fun but getting without the vacuum for the brake boosters is really not that funny