View Single Post
Old 07-18-2010, 12:14 AM   #5 (permalink)
NeilBlanchard
Master EcoModder
 
NeilBlanchard's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Maynard, MA Eaarth
Posts: 7,907

Mica Blue - '05 Scion xA RS 2.0
Team Toyota
90 day: 42.48 mpg (US)

Forest - '15 Nissan Leaf S
Team Nissan
90 day: 156.46 mpg (US)

Number 7 - '15 VW e-Golf SEL
TEAM VW AUDI Group
90 day: 155.81 mpg (US)
Thanks: 3,475
Thanked 2,950 Times in 1,844 Posts
You can use actual lawn signs (and paint them black), or you can use black Coroplast (often the best source is from a sign shop) -- but your grill looks easy to try out a temporary block with black gaffer's tape, or Gorilla Tape. I'll bet you can block off the top two sections, and maybe all of the upper grill? If the dash doesn't already have a temperature gauge, then the ScanGuage II can provide this.

It's too bad the rear "spoiler" juts up (slightly) above the roof -- it would be much better if it dropped slightly down, instead. What is your tire pressure, and what is the maximum pressure written on the sidewalls?

Have you started keeping fuel records? This is certainly where you be able to tell how you are doing. And yes, ecodriving is a process of learning how to use just enough throttle to get where you need to, and how to avoid using your brakes on a regular basis. Does your Highlander have the 'B' mode on the shifter? You can use that to slow down and get regenerative braking. But coast when you can, and when you can carry speed.
__________________
Sincerely, Neil

http://neilblanchard.blogspot.com/
  Reply With Quote