Hello

[Angelus359]

Hi, I'm Scott

I recently acquired a 2008 Chevy Aveo sedan automatic with 34k miles on it, and I'm interested in saving some fuel. As a broke college student, every little bit helps.

The only thing I've done to it, at all, is a new STP air filter (stock size), and new NGK iridium IX spark plugs. (60k mile duration, 0.6mm tip)

I was wondering what cheap/free mods I can do to save fuel.

I drive pretty conservatively, and I already drop the car in neutral while coasting...

What is my best bet on what to do?

[euromodder]

Welcome to EM

Originally Posted by Angelus359

I was wondering what cheap/free mods I can do to save fuel.

One that's easy to do an rather effective is blocking the grille - partially or fully, depending on the weather and the coolant temperatures you get.

Read up and start putting these tips into practice :

65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com

100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com

Some are quite involved, others bordering on the obsessive, but many are actually really easy to do.

[Angelus359]

blocking the grill...

what would you recommend to do that with?

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Angelus359

blocking the grill...

what would you recommend to do that with?

I've used tape for a trial-installation.

Others have used draught-blocking foam, fiberglass, sheet metal, or corrugated plastic (coroplast, the stuff real-estate signs are made of), even plastic film.

Done on the inside like the car manufacturers do, it's an invisible mod.

For some cars, grille covers are commercially available - mainly for winter use.

[Angelus359]

If I were to only block one, top or bottom?

[euromodder]

Top is usually most efficient.

On the new (Euro) model Aveo, half the huge lower grille is blocked right from the factory !

Keep an eye on the engine coolant temperature when doing these mods - especially next summer.