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I too am a newb, but Ive been tryin all I can to get better MPG in my F150 for some time. I just picked up a little Escort and have been doin a few small basics that have already netted a decent return. I coast as often and far as I can think to do. Im gettin better every day and am able to coast further and further without loosing too much momentum or tying up traffic at all. I kinda play a game, especially on the last stretch before my neighborhood, where I pick a spot and try to coast all the way to the end from that spot (if noone is behind me). I try to stretch that spot each time and see if I can make it LOL. I can already coast a TON more than I could in my truck, and I keep pushing for new personal bests ever day. Make it fun, make it a challenge and itll add up and become less stressful and more intuitive. Other things I do now are:
1) Shift at 2k rpm. If I need to go quick, I just accellerate harder and shift quicker at the 2K mark
2) Dont start the car till Im ready to go, seatbelt, lights, shifter etc in place
3) Coast coast coast
4) Engine off coasting whenever I can do so safely. This is another game Ive been playin, seein where I can EOC safely and if Ill make it where I was goin or not. I usually dont do this unless Im about to turn the car off anyways, so driveway and parkinglots etc.
5) Engine off at light that I know take forever, or when trains cross etc. I dont idle unless I have to do so. I dont like starting and stopping the motor like some so I only do it when its a REALLY long wait.
6)Keep your car in shape, tire pressure, oil, tuneup etc.
Again, Im just a newb myself, but Ive learned alot already from this place and have already done really well. I look forward to doin better as I get better!
Matt
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