Cruze ECO 6MT driving tips - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Grinder74 · 01-31-2020, 02:40 PM

I just bought a 2013 ECO Cruze 6 speed and looking for tips. I drive 20 miles to work, about 18 is interstate. I'm in the Cincinnati area so the roads are not flat. So far I'm showing 40-43MPG on the average. This car has oil leakage that needs fixed and the engine splash guard is not installed, will buy one when the oil leak is fixed. I believe the tires are not lrr tires.
Thanks in advance,
Chris

Grinder74 · 02-01-2020, 01:55 PM

So far I find it hard to stay out of boost accelerating. This thing will coast well in 5/6th gear. Bought a new valve cover today, will try to get it on this weekend. Already have oil spots on the driveway. I'm still on the full tank that it had when I bought it. I may try plus or premium for a few tanks.

California98Civic · 02-02-2020, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grinder74

So far I find it hard to stay out of boost accelerating. This thing will coast well in 5/6th gear. Bought a new valve cover today, will try to get it on this weekend. Already have oil spots on the driveway. I'm still on the full tank that it had when I bought it. I may try plus or premium for a few tanks.

That's the problem with the turbo on these Fords... it makes some of the beat techniques, such as pulse & glide, less effective. It is also not great for EOC because the turbo gets real hot and can't cool down with the engine off. I always thought the 1.8L NA engine mated to the ECO's 6MT transmission would be an awesome hypermiler. But still this is a favorite car of mine. That gearbox is wonderfully tall in 6th gear. So you wanna drive moderately slowly on the freeway, maybe in a pack of vehicles, rather than out on your own, for aero benefits. If you get new LRR tires buy something that you see on the newest EVs and Hybrids. Those will probably be among the best LRR tires. And get taller than stock tires for added cruising gear advantage. You are gonna steady throttle cruise this Cruze, so tall is better.

Do you use DFCO for breaking?

Ecky · 02-02-2020, 05:46 PM

If you can get your rolling resistance and aero drag down, you should be able to stay out of boost more easily. In my Insight, fuel economy seems to drop off rapidly above 50mph, so keeping speeds down is the #1 driving technique.

Grinder74 · 02-03-2020, 01:01 AM

Cali, I do leave it in gear and found the fuel cutoff is 1400-1500rpms. From what I've read, boost starts at 1800. I am now shifting at 2k, too easy to hit single digit mpg on boost. The throttle is so light, with no feel, I have to concentrate on using a light foot.

Ecky, I plan on making a grill block and getting the Verano engine splash guard, mine has NO shield under the engine compartment. Eventually I want to add a panel from in front of the rear axle to the bumper and possibly lower the rear end.