Hypermiling Newbie!

[riva2model64]

Hi all! I drive a 1994 Toyota Camry V6 Automatic. EPA is 16/23, and I have been getting ~20-22 mpg on mostly suburban roads (lower speed limits, but usually low congestion).

I'm looking for ways to get more MPG!

Currently, this is how I try to drive (if conditions are safe): Engine RPM no higher than 2200, driving with load, driving without brakes, rolling to reds and stale green stoplights.

I have a question about driving up long uphills - is it better to be in a lower gear with higher RPM and less pedal depression, or a higher gear with lower RPM and more pedal depression? I've leaned toward the higher RPM option because I'm afraid of "lugging" the engine by giving it a lot of gas in low RPM.

And another question - is feasible to save gas trying to pulse and glide without turning off the engine or shifting to neutral? My automatic car will be using the torque converter because the speeds aren't high enough to lock-up.

Any advice is appreciated!

[mcrews]

I had a 97 Avalon XL many yrs ago and before I found theis forum.
I got 24 all the time on the road.
the only thing I did as far as HM was coast in neutral when I could.
I was 'slightly' frustrated not to get to 25mpg but again, that was before I found this site!!!
I always drove easy.

[MetroMPG]

The higher gear is better. It's more sensitive to changes in accelerator pedal position though (meaning - a bigger drop in MPG for a given amount of pedal movement). So you need to have a steady foot and a means of monitoring your "instant" fuel consumption.

The car's computer won't let you "lug" the engine, so you don't have to worry about that. So I'd leave it in overdrive.

As for pulse & glide in an automatic, it's going to vary from car to car. You could test it out on your own (comparing the same route, same average speed, same conditions) if you have fuel economy instrumentation.

Welcome to the forum!

[Flakbadger]

Welcome to the forums!

I bought an Ultragauge, and have seen the light! You want a way to improve your MPG? Buy a gauge. I know how intimidating the startup cost is, but it is well worth it. Knowing exactly how well you're doing on MPG at every moment gives you a lot more control over your vehicle, and can answer questions like "what gear should I take this hill in?"

It will also help you learn how light pedal pressure can extend your coasts for twice to three times as long. In my case, that keeps me in the low triple digits.

Anyway I'm beginning to rant, so I'll just say, keep on reading the forums--you'll continue to learn--get a gauge as soon as you can, and above all, have fun with it!

~Matt

[mcrews]

see the first link in my sig for a link to scangauge threads.

also pump the psi to 40+ (see other threads)

Think about upsizing tires next time you buy some

[riva2model64]

Wow - thanks everyone! I am blown back by all the responses!

@mcrews: The EPA on the 97 Avalon is a bit higher than on my 94 Camry (18/28 vs 16/23) even though they both use the 1MZ-FE engine? Also, I'm no expert, but google search seems to say that coasting in neutral on an automatic is bad for the transmission - I'm not sure why people say that, but I know that auto transmissions are really expensive. And thanks a lot for the tip on the Scangauge. I hope it works with my 1994 Camry's computer (its one of the early versions of OBDII thats not fully supported by most newer scan tools it seems). Also, I just started pumping my tires to 40 PSI

@MetroMPG: Thanks for the hill advice! I guess I should invest in fuel economy instrumentation to find out.

@Yes, I mostly do hypermiling for my own curiosity and enjoyment. My friends and family usually argue with my logic and say "its not worth saving 5 dollars a fill-up" but when I tell them I do it for my enjoyment they seem slightly more satisfied. Though the savings are a nice side effect. And thanks for the tip on the ultragauge! I'm trying to find out if it is compatible with my 94' Camry's computer.

[mcrews]

how odd!!!

I got 217000 on the avalon and coasted ALOT!
only got rid of it becasue of the great deal on the 2002 Infiniti Q45!
which got 275000!!
The trick to longjevity.....regular oil changes and easy driving

[riva2model64]

I googled auto coasting again -

the reason why people were saying its bad to coast in automatic in neutral is that the transmissions oil pump is not being driven, therefore the transmission is not getting sufficient lubrication.

Other people say this is an issue only with older cars, and other people say that the engine drives the oil pump for the transmission so its okay to run the car in neutral while moving.

Confuddled

But your experience proves its fine on a 1997 car!

[MetroMPG]

Shutting off the engine while coasting with the engine off WILL eventually damage an automatic that isn't designed for it.

(As well, with the engine off, you lose power assist for the steering, and have a limited amount of vacuum in reserve for power assisted braking. That's another story, but probably worth repeating here.)

BUT: nobody said you have to shut off the engine to coast in neutral, and there are times where it will increase your fuel economy vs. coasting in gear.

[mcrews]

THe trick to 'coasting, engine on' is if the rpms drop to idle when in neutral.(imho)
I drove a 2009 Ford Tarus for a couple of weeks a while back and the rpms DIDNOT drop when coasting in neutral.