Max % over EPA by driving changes? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

k-vette · 10-11-2012, 01:32 AM

I wanted to see if anyone had guesses on how much over EPA you can achieve by driving alone. Guesses?

Perhaps there's somewhere to check mileage by cars that are stock, but I didn't see it.

I ask because I'm always "waiting" to do aero or other mods until my driving changes have maxed out the mileage. Unfortunately (or not) I haven't found an end yet!

I started at 32mpg (rated 31) in my 2006 Corolla. It has over 200,000 miles now and everything works perfectly. When I started, I got up to 35, then 38mpg tanks. I thought 40mpg was going to be nearly impossible. I was wrong... My last few tanks were 43, the first quarter of a tank I was over 50 this time around, now I've dropped to about 47 according to the meter, which is pretty accurate. Looking forward to the fill-up, but it's going to take awhile! Sitting around 1/3 tank at 200 miles.

As far as mods go, I haven't even checked the tire pressure since new tires were put on a few months ago. (Costco did fill with nitrogen, so they've never looked flat)

I'm starting to think this Corolla is a bit under-rated.

bestclimb · 10-11-2012, 03:22 AM

With fuel consumption information, max sidewall pressure in the tires I am 48% over EPA.

The Mods will improve what you can make the car do as well so I would not wait if you are going do do them.

redpoint5 · 10-11-2012, 03:52 AM

This question has far too many variables to illicit a useful answer. It depends on the car, the type of driving, the environmental conditions, etc.

If I wanted to take eternity to travel the 70 miles I often take to visit my parents and grandparents, I'm sure I could achieve 50mpg. As it is, the best I've ever done for a full tank is about 33mpg.

My signature boasts my % over EPA, and this is achieved with a lower octane fuel than recommended and no mods. This winter I plan to try a grill block, but would like to wire in an LED that indicates when the cooling fans engage.

SentraSE-R · 10-11-2012, 04:29 AM

A heads-up driver in a MT car can get 75% over EPA tank after tank in a variety of driving conditions, from driving changes only. Under ideal conditions on a regular route, he/she can average 110% over EPA.

AT drivers will do much worse - about 40% over EPA in mixed varied driving, perhaps 60% in ideal conditions.

I should know, because those are my figures with different unmodifiedcars.

Gealii · 10-11-2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestclimb

With fuel consumption information, max sidewall pressure in the tires I am 48% over EPA.

The Mods will improve what you can make the car do as well so I would not wait if you are going do do them.

is your escort a 2 door or 4 door?

rmay635703 · 10-11-2012, 11:10 AM

I'm only 38% over EPA mixed driving but its due to the fact I don't have a kill switch and typically just use speed modulation within limits on the road and early shifts with occasional eoc.

Flakbadger · 10-11-2012, 11:15 AM

Well my friend, I do next to no EOC (Maybe once per tank, just for ****s and giggles), lots and lots of coasting, and only drive as slow as I think I can without inconveniencing other drivers, and I don't think I can do very much better.
I would love to buy an Ultraguage but I lack the income to drop 60 bucks on something so frivolous, and don't know that I could really get much above what I'm getting now.
As far as aero goes, it depends on what you want. I have been itching to make a grille block and rear wheel well covers, but I am unwilling to have something that looks slapdash in execution... So I haven't done anything yet for lack of time to make it look "good."
I am not disappointed with my results with those restrictions. As others have mentioned it depends on your car.

roosterk0031 · 10-11-2012, 12:24 PM

Stratus peaked at 63% over epa, no mod's but it deleted AC and PS on it's own. Set cruise at 55, neutral coast into stops.

Cobalt is at 45%, I think if I add cruise it will do better as I go to fast sometimes.

Daox · 10-11-2012, 12:39 PM

I was able to hit just over 100% over EPA rating on my Paseo without any mods besides tire pressure. I was just shy of 60 mpg on my 29 mpg rated Paseo when I started modding it. Now my wife drives it and it gets nowhere near that.

To get that high you absolutely need to use pulse and glide with engine off coasting, and avoid the brakes like a plague. After you've achieved that, the main gain is from reducing your speed.

Fat Charlie · 10-11-2012, 12:45 PM

Almost all your gains will be from driving. Any gains from mods, on the other hand, are always there even when you're not paying attention. Paying attention to things like tire pressure only takes a few minutes every once in a while and pay off all the time- there's no sense letting your hardware work against you. You did get LRRs a few months ago when you needed tires, right?