best highway ecodrive tip? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

modmonster · 08-26-2008, 08:15 AM

hi

i do a lot of motorway driving now and i was wondering what is the best thing to do.

i can think of:
driving @ 55mph
driving behind a big truck (drafting)
pulse and glideing

Have i missed anything?

99metro · 08-26-2008, 02:22 PM

Inflate tires to sidewall rating.
Coast A LOT at every opportunity.
Don't haul around unnecessary stuff (make your vehicle light).

modmonster · 08-26-2008, 07:42 PM

whats worth taking out of your vehicle? im thinking back seats, spare tire, only half fill tank.

Brian03cav · 08-26-2008, 10:00 PM

i dont think i would take out the spare, i mean yes that would save weight, but then you have safety to consider.

i've found great gains with keeping top speed to 65 or under (60mph seems ideal for my car.) also, like 99metro said, coast alot and fill those tires! another thing is keep your windows closed, use fans first, and if too hot use a/c. not using a/c saved me greatly as well.

whokilledthejams · 08-26-2008, 10:06 PM

Block off as much of your grille as is practical (i.e., without running too hot or having the fan come on too much), and see what you can do to smooth out the bottom of your car.

Lazarus · 08-26-2008, 10:08 PM

Driving with load on the hills. Route palnning, departure time if possible and remove any unnecessary drag. Roof rack, Bicycle racks, etc.

thebrad · 08-26-2008, 10:54 PM

Use Scangauge II to stay at a constant throttle position (TPS), for me 14-17%

Also from my experience EOC/P&G doesn't work on the freeway in the 55-70mph range. This is what led to my discovery of locking in TPS at ~15% and driving at 50-55 mph.

Z man · 08-27-2008, 02:40 AM

On flat highways, you can't really coast too well. But 55-65mph is perfect, and its nice when trucks get in front and behind you. In draft, I will hit 70 occasionally because its worth it to keep up with a big tractor trailer.

SVOboy · 08-27-2008, 02:45 AM

Driving with load is definitely important on the highway. Also, don't draft! Crashing is real bad for fuel economy,

Z man · 08-27-2008, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Driving with load is definitely important on the highway. Also, don't draft! Crashing is real bad for fuel economy,

Yeah but playing close attention and driving about 4 car lengths back isn't so bad. Plus, it you leave a big enough gap, someone with ruin your safety cushion by getting right in the gap you made.
DWL is nice for sure.