09-07-2011, 06:08 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Canada
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Just got a new car
Hi everyone!
I just got a brand new 2011 Toyota Rav4 v6 4WD. It uses 5W-30 oil.
Now, I just went through my first tank of gas, and I am not impressed with the millage.
I am new to ecomodding, but so far I am planning to use a full synthetic oil for the winter time (I am in Toronto, gets to -30C here). Also, I will get a engine block heater.
I will also try and find an ethanol free gas station, but that will be hard.
What are some other ways to improve the MPG?
Thanks ! 
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09-07-2011, 08:20 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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(:
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Quote:
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What are some other ways to improve the MPG?
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Get rid of it while you can and get a car? There was a fuel economy sticker in the window right? Seriously, the Toyota nameplate doesn't give a vehicle good mileage; it's the mechanicals and aero package that does it. |
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The Following User Says Thank You to Frank Lee For This Useful Post:
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09-07-2011, 11:51 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Intermediate EcoDriver
Join Date: May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tzar
What are some other ways to improve the MPG?
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Adjust the nut behind the steering wheel. Speaking from experience.
On edit, what are you getting out of it? Please post a fuel log.
__________________
Fuel economy is nice, but sometimes I just gotta put the spurs to my pony! 
Quote:
Originally Posted by thatguitarguy
Just 'cuz you can't do it, don't mean it can't be done...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elhigh
The presence of traffic is the single most complicating factor of hypermiling. I know what I'm going to do, it's contending with whatever the hell all these other people are going to do that makes things hard.
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09-08-2011, 12:21 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mustang Dave
Adjust the nut behind the steering wheel. Speaking from experience.
On edit, what are you getting out of it? Please post a fuel log.
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I just fueled up once. I went about 460km and put fueled up 49 liters. Dealership gave me the initial fuel up. It also has to break in.
I was wondering, has anyone considered heating up the fuel line, or the fuel tank? |
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09-08-2011, 02:38 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Cyborg ECU
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Coastal Southern California
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tzar
Hi everyone!
I just got a brand new 2011 Toyota Rav4 v6 4WD. It uses 5W-30 oil.
Now, I just went through my first tank of gas, and I am not impressed with the millage.
I am new to ecomodding, but so far I am planning to use a full synthetic oil for the winter time (I am in Toronto, gets to -30C here). Also, I will get a engine block heater.
I will also try and find an ethanol free gas station, but that will be hard.
What are some other ways to improve the MPG?
Thanks ! |
Get a scangauge or ultragauge ASAP. Live monitoring of instant, trip, and longterm fuel economy changes how you drive. It will pay for itself soon! For basic aero improvements that are proven to give results: homemade lawn-edging airdam, homemade tonneau bed cover, homeade coraplast grill block. Look-up each of these terms in the ecomodder search engine and you will find results that will benefit FE, I promise. Also use the synthetic oil in the winter too. Consider disconnecting the AC belt during the cool autumn months before snow and frost appears on your windows. That AC compressor is an FE drag even when it is off. But, immediately you can study the EM list of proven "nut behind the wheel" adjustments through hypermiling and make significant gains very soon if not right away, depending on your skill with the technique.
Good luck. Start a fuel log here at EM... that kind of record helps too.
BTW, I hope this helps, but if it doesn't, please blame Frank Lee. 
james
__________________
See my car's mod & maintenance thread and my electric bicycle's thread for ongoing projects. I will rebuild Black and Green over decades as parts die, until it becomes a different car of roughly the same shape and color. My minimum fuel economy goal is 55 mpg while averaging posted speed limits. I generally top 60 mpg. See also my Honda manual transmission specs thread.
Last edited by California98Civic; 09-08-2011 at 03:13 PM..
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09-08-2011, 03:17 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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(:
Join Date: Jan 2008
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A tonneau on an SUV?  I don't think I'd goober up a brand new vehicle with some of those add-ons, and not using or even exercising the a/c for extended periods can lead to leaky seals plus the lack of dehumidifying in the winter.
Last edited by Frank Lee; 09-09-2011 at 10:16 AM..
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