Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Long trip ahead, little prep time

NachtRitter · 03-27-2012, 04:08 PM

Hi folks,

I have ~4,000 miles worth of driving coming up toward the end of April. Between now and then I have maybe one or two days free to improve the aero on my MKIV Jetta TDI. That means it has to be something relatively easy to do.

Currently I am getting ~60 to 65mpg cruising at ~60 to 65 mph on level ground with the TDI. I've done only minor aero mods (see grill block below), installed a taller 5th gear, and installed LRR tires. Just this past weekend, I installed a skid plate which seemed to help FE a little bit. And the stock wheel covers are relatively smooth already.

Grill block:

Wheel covers:

I will probably have time to do ONE of the following:

Full under tray (probably not a one day project)
Rear wheel skirts
Home Depot Air Dam
Smooth(er) wheel covers (probably won't gain much)
Passenger mirror delete (probably won't gain much)

Your thoughts on which to do? Best aero mod for the effort?

03-27-2012, 04:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
NachtRitter NightKnight Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 1,595 Helga - '00 Volkswagen Jetta TDI TEAM VW AUDI Group Diesel 90 day: 54.39 mpg (US) Mathilde - '99 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper 90 day: 16.87 mpg (US) Thanks: 315 Thanked 314 Times in 187 Posts	Long trip ahead, little prep time - best aero mod? Hi folks, I have ~4,000 miles worth of driving coming up toward the end of April. Between now and then I have maybe one or two days free to improve the aero on my MKIV Jetta TDI. That means it has to be something relatively easy to do. Currently I am getting ~60 to 65mpg cruising at ~60 to 65 mph on level ground with the TDI. I've done only minor aero mods (see grill block below), installed a taller 5th gear, and installed LRR tires. Just this past weekend, I installed a skid plate which seemed to help FE a little bit. And the stock wheel covers are relatively smooth already. Grill block: Wheel covers: I will probably have time to do ONE of the following: Full under tray (probably not a one day project) Rear wheel skirts Home Depot Air Dam Smooth(er) wheel covers (probably won't gain much) Passenger mirror delete (probably won't gain much) Your thoughts on which to do? Best aero mod for the effort? __________________ My VW MkIV Aerodynamic Mods (For Jetta and Golf) thread VW Save as You Drive. Background information for expert fuel savers.