100+ hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by i_am_socket

Use E-Z Pass (or similar) if you commute on toll roads.

Especially handy with high-speed (55 mph) toll passes, but definitely avoids the idling in lines, stop-and-go, accelerate from a stop that the normal toll lines involve.

Another good one! Added.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by MazdaMatt

Personally, i think the list is totally overblown and should be prefixed with a "First 5 things you should work on, in order" so the newbs aren't overwhelmed and their opinion ruined by a list that has too many "small things".

Good idea. Any suggestions?

[gdcwatt]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I'm disappointed that you're not looking closely enough before making comments:

50+ Efficiency Mods

PS - it's kind of ridiculous to (a) generally assign blame for the fact that you can't drive as fast as you want on hypermilers, and (b) expect that you'd be able to reach anyone you may encounter on your commute here.

Please try to rein in the hyperbole.

You missed my point(s): a) Many people don't know what they're doing; some people think that taking 30 seconds to accelerate upto the speed limit is saving fuel - and yes it's too bad for me that I'm stuck behind them, still in 2nd or 3rd gear, wasting time and fuel. Recognize that it would be myopic to think that everything works for everyone. If someone suggested monstertruck tires, however, someone should point out a flaw in their rationale.

b) as I said, I'm constructively trying to help get the right message out, and actually, "Yes," within the last year I've been from LA to Halifax, to Washington DC, and Texas, and across southern Ontario, so if things continue the same way, then perhaps I will see them. Regarless, putting on my planet cap, maybe someone else - and the planet - will benefit.

[MetroMPG]

a) You communicated your point(s) poorly, by opening your previous post with the premise that hypermilers are specifically responsible for your woes.

b) You'd have better luck taping signs to your vehicle to educate the people who aren't accelerating or driving as fast as you'd like.

[Intrigued]

Whew! Between bimmer and watt this thread is about to self-destruct, so let's see if we can take this back toward its original intention - helping each other get better fuel mileage, whether the issue is money/ environment/ carbon/ whales/ terrorists/ whatever.

When I started adjusting the nut behind the wheel of the Intrigue (man, I love that car: 30 mpg on a good day, and still get you to the hospital NOW!...don't ask...) I found out pretty quickly that in this part of the world (Ozarks Hills of Missouri) that the pulse-and-glide over the hills idea, with A/C on only going downhill, and keeping the torque convertor locked in going uphill by backing down off of the throttle as needed are my 5 personal best <EDIT: well, combining a couple for one> ideas for hypermiling. Even my "lazy man's" way of doing it - just reaching over and hitting the A/C compressor button with the cruise on gained me an mpg or two on summer/defrosting driving. I was amazed at how much longer the torque convertor stayed locked in doing it like that up a hill, and my car has the variable displacement compressor, that varies with incoming pressure.

So, it looks like my numbers are 47/50/56/74/88, or pretty close to that. I'm Intrigued, and I approve this message!

[RH77]

Woah, I didn't realize the charge loaded in this thread since I viewed it a month or so ago.

Frankly, the offensive against polite and aware EcoModders is a very weak argument. Why not attack the entire Trucking industry at the same time? Highway speed trends are very similar: from driving-with-load (whether intentional or by choice), and the increased gap in following distance during jams (Traffic Wave Analysis).

It sounds like we have aggressive drivers revolting without substance. I used to be one, so I see through the accusations. We're not an ignorant bunch -- Science proves us right or wrong.

Show me the data!

RH77

[jtgh]

down hill , ( have 3 cars 96+ and one with a custom megasquirt ecu)
all three cut injection to zero , when I dump the gas pedal.
this is deceleration mode.
do not be fooled by software that attempt to devide by zero.
mpg = distance div by 0 grams per second.
most tools (not mine) throw in a small divisor to stop the error.
Pay attention the the injector PW and then look up your injector for the
dead time. subtract dead time from the injection time and discover true zero injection time. (a book written on it and Megasquirt site)


now I have 5 speed manuals in all 3 cars, 2 Miata and 1 Sidekick( custom ecu)
i also have full obd2 full scan tools connected. to confirm both fuel flow and Instant MPG, (palmer performance. software) and 2 others.

But with an automatic , they do not work the same, due to very poor compression braking.

on my country roads, all three get 40mpg (40mph) on the flat and zero fuel down all hills at the same speed, fuel cut mode.

in addition operating any car in neutral down a hill is illegal in most states and is dangerous in wet or worse conditions.

I can't speak for slush pump automatics, they are very bad for fuel economy, but are not too bad at a sustained 50mph (TCC locked up)

cheers.

[rezcue]

Great stuff, I got several usable tips. Here is one that might be of use to urban drivers. I call it Mario's tip. Sometimes a parallel park is the only option but here is a way to make it more efficient. Often these spots are in front of store display windows. If you look at the reflection in the window you can see a much more accurate view of how close the bumpers are and therefore you can reverse the maximum distance. It could very well eliminate one or more back and forth manuvers.

[maruk]

Turning the engine off (in most cases) also results in loosing power-assisted breaking and could potentially lead to (very) dangerous situations! Moderator, please be aware of that and specify where this technique could and should not be applied. Thanks!

[groar]

Originally Posted by maruk

Turning the engine off (in most cases) also results in loosing power-assisted breaking and could potentially lead to (very) dangerous situations! Moderator, please be aware of that and specify where this technique could and should not be applied. Thanks!

Quote from this tips :

This technique is best suited to cars with manual steering and manual transmissions. (Dramatically increased steering effort may be required in some cars with power assist. Also, most vehicles with automatic transmissions are not designed to travel with the engine shut off; the transmission may be damaged).

In non-hybrids, EOC is considered an advanced technique and should not be attempted until the skill developed away from traffic. In addition, coasting with the engine off is illegal in some areas.

Denis.