questions from a lurker (via private message)

[MetroMPG]

Posting this in public - I like to share. :P

hello, im sort of new to the whole eco modder driving style. and ive been reading the tips and tricks.. but my car is tricky sometimes and i was wondering what you do personally with your car to obtain the high numbers.

My numbers are decent because I mostly drive very MPG-friendly routes (very little in heavy traffic, very little on the freeway, mostly on quiet secondary roads), and focus a LOT on driving technique when I do. I also change my driving style & tactics depending on which vehicle I'm using (one electric, one hybrid, one gasoline - each one responds best to different techniques).

and whats your view on the aerodynamic windshield wipers and wheel skirts, underbody panals and side view mirror removal..( i removed my passenger mirror and replaced it with a rear view camera for safty reasons.

Aero wipers might make a very tiny difference.

My experience with rear wheel skirts is they're good for maybe a 1-2% improvement @ ~50 mph, same with underbody panels (~2% at similar speeds). Passenger side mirror removal/relocation will be similar as well. Lowering will probably help a bit too.

Of course all this will vary from car to car.

My main advice is to always start by getting MPG instrumentation. Get a ScanGauge or equivalent, or MPGuino if your car is too old for an OBD-II gauge. Instant & resettable average fuel consumption feedback makes it more fun, and it's the best way to tune your driving techniques, which have the largest impact on your fuel consumption. Then fine tune the vehicle itself with appropriate mods for your typical usage.