How to make my car Eco smart

[cleanspeed1]

Originally Posted by superchow

One trick that makes me more aware of my driving habits is to imagine the brake pedal is wired to a (mild) taser which in turn electrocutes me when I step on the pedal. Now I actually cringe when I should have anticipated a stop/slow-down and didn't and have to pay for it with using the brake pedal.

Yes, we ecomodders are a strange bunch...

We are not "strange".

We just have an "interesting" perspective on reality.

[gone-ot]

...so, is *that* how Dr. "Doc" Emmitt Brown gets his hair styling 'done' in his "flux-gate" capacitor DeLorean?

[Ryland]

I don't think it is worth it to you to buy parts for your mechanic to install, main reason is that the auto part store gives your mechanic a decent discount so that they can charge you list price on parts without having to charge for their time in ordering parts, so if you find that they are charging a markup on auto part store prices then call them out on it and move on to a more honest mechanic.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is who puts the standards and ratings on motor oil and gasoline they also do a great deal of testing on automotive ideas and parts, their testing on spark plugs boiled down to stock copper core plugs give the best power and mileage for the dollar, silver core are a little better but cost way more then they are worth and exotic metal tipped spark plugs are only good because they last 100,000 miles instead of 15,000-20,000 miles.
Synthetic motor oil is worth it unless your engine is wore out and burning a lot of oil, same with synthetic transmission fluid.
How soon do you need new tires? Low Rolling Resistance tires will often save you more then the cost of the tires in the first year of use and web sites like TireRack.com let you sort out the LRR (low rolling resistance) tires.
To me filters that filter better are worth buying, filters that can be washed are only worth it if they filter out more dirt, K&N filters let a lot of dirt pass and that wears out the rest of your engine, some of the micro fiber filters filter down to a smaller micron (dirt size) and the foam air filters have so much area that they can hold a lot more dust then others, but just going with a high quality like a Wix filter is often the best choice and it's worth letting your mechanic know that you would rather spend the extra $3 to get the part that will help your car last longer because a car that lasts is more Eco then one that wears out.

[deathtrain]

Im not ECO.... Im just a jew b@stard that hates spending half my paycheck on gas.

and stick with recommended parts from the parts store. then track your MPG after a few tanks set a goal on your target MPG. Be realistic with your self though. For me I started with 52mpg, SO I set a realistic goal of 60mpg. Well my last tank netted me 59.11 mpg!!!! all thanks to this place for tips and tricks.

[ecogypsy]

Thank you everyone! I have read your posts and appreciate all the helpful input. I already do some of the things you talk about, just kinda figured it out myself one day while driving. So I'm one up on the game Thanks again!

[ecogypsy]

What do you guys think about after market parts? I was told 811.00 to get my ac unit done. Thats labor and parts. I found an ac unit "bundle" that has the compressor, the oil, and the other thing that I can't think of the name for (keeps the gas or oil or something out of the line). I found the bundle for 395.00 no shipping, 1 yr warranty and then their "gold" warranty, that if any of the parts go out they will ship out overnight no cost. I think I calculated I could save 60 some odd dollars. Thanks.

[gone-ot]

...I believe you're describing a "dryer/separator."

[Fat Charlie]

Aftermarket parts can be great, if you're confident in the listing and doing the work yourself. Most shops won't be willing to install customer supplied parts for a long list of perfectly good reasons- and unless that warranty pays their labor (at their labor rate) then you're going to be paying for that second install. If you're paying someone to work on it you're best off having them handle the parts.

I'm a parts guy at a dealership and we've got no problem with most aftermarket parts- if I'm happy with the listing and the tech doesn't have a bad feeling about it. The tech isn't going to waste his time on a job like yours that might have problems because he's on his own. I can't support him and the shops I buy from can't support him. You are his parts department for the job- "Call customer Smith and tell her we need a gasket for that kit she bought on the internet." Once he's gotten through all that he knows he's going to face the "ever since you did X job I've had Y problem with my car!" It's not something most places would touch because it's not worth it.

[Martin Steve]

Nice suggestion dude.Its really good to read.You have born talent.
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