Improve fuel mileage above 60 mph

[y2kbug]

Hello i find the best way to save fuel is to dive slower but many times i don't have the patience or its too dangerous to drive slower. What are some tips and tricks i can do to improve my mpg while driving faster say 65 mph.
I will be driving my 1999 corolla 4spd auto with 377,xxx miles.

I have considered following tractor trailers but they tend to drive 70+ mph and i don't want to be closer than 3-4 car lengths if i am driving that fast. Does driving faster behind them going to be an advantage over going slower in the right lane bymyself??

Maybe there are some mods i need to do to improve the aerodynamics of my car??

I usually accelerate with light to moderate throttle and after that i only use light throttle. I try to coast when possible. I rarely downshift the transmission to decelerate because it just creates tons of smoke.

Ecomodder is an information overload of this topic.
What do you all recommend I start with?

[CigaR007]

A partial grille block can help to reduce cooling drag at higher speeds.

Perhaps an air dam, but that involves a bit more effort to fabricate.

[freebeard]

What tire pressure are you running?

[Ecky]

Try the link in the navigation bar at the top, "65+ Efficiency Mods", it's a pretty comprehensive list of the effective ones.

[y2kbug]

Originally Posted by freebeard

What tire pressure are you running?

I was at 40-45psi but the tires wear badly in the middle and the belts were breaking and bumps in the tires.
I just got new tires and i am running them 35-40psi hoping the tires wear better.

Originally Posted by CigaR007

A partial grille block can help to reduce cooling drag at higher speeds.

Perhaps an air dam, but that involves a bit more effort to fabricate.

I need to do this then. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Ecky

Try the link in the navigation bar at the top, "65+ Efficiency Mods", it's a pretty comprehensive list of the effective ones.

ive been looking at that but it is information overload for me. I didnt know where to start. I will start by making air dam grill block and go from there. I have been debating if i should take passenger mirror off. I love my mirrors but Visibility out the windows is already good unless i put something big in the back seat.

[Ecky]

My opinion:

I'd start with general maintenance. Jack the car up, check the wheels spin freely. Make sure the ignition and fuel system are doing what they should be.

Next, tire pressure and a partial grille block. Maybe grab one of the $5 eBay elm327 dongles and check your coolant temperatures, to determine the optimal amount of block.

Next (in terms of aero), to me, would be underbody paneling, and pulling off stuff you don't need. Whip antenna to stubby. Rear wiper not needed? Pull it. Smooth wheel covers if you can.

I'd place side mirrors and wheel skirts farther down the list. Not because they aren't effective, but because they aren't as straightforward, and they're more visible. Kamm back or boat tail farther down still, because while they have a huge impact, they can be logistically challenging. Pick the low hanging fruit first.

Next time you need a battery, consider a lighter weight alternative. Next time you need tires, see if you can find LRR ones.

Warm air intakes are good, but less important in summer than in winter. Ditto with things like block heaters.

Metaphorically speaking, look for 1600 ways to save an ounce, rather than one spot to pull 100lbs from the car. It adds up.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Aero will help more than weight at higher speeds. Convex mirrors on the inside of the doors and a wide-angle rearview mirror will give you at least as much rear and side vision as the factory mirrors.

A zero toe alignment should help at any speed.

Just be brave and go full boat tail!

[Goldenstate]

Recently I elected to turn the passenger mirror in towards the car body effectively reducing some wind drag. With a 100 mile trip there seemed to be some improvement. Did not check the actual mileage with a pump fill up, but the Scan Gauge did show some improvement. With that knowledge, I will be doing a more in depth mileage check the next time I drive the same route and see what happens.

[y2kbug]

none of my vehicles have folding mirrors! Otherwise, I would try it out tomorrow. I’ve been driving my Dodge truck, the past few week. I lowered my truck a few inches and I’ve been seeing a noticeable rise in fuel efficiency.
I have to do some work to my Toyota Corolla before I start driving it again. I hope to get time this weekend to get it back together
Wish I had a scan gauge that would be cool!

thank you to all those that have responded!

[CigaR007]

I did some tuft testing with passenger mirror folded a few years ago. Every vehicle is different but it seemed more turbulent, based on tufts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDh42Cde7ls