right from the start

[Efried]

Hello,

we are now entering purchase (Opel/Vauxhall Corsa) - any hints to improve mileage from the start?

some ideas
- buy without tires and replace...
- change motor oil, lube oil etc.
- exchange tire caps
- cover gaps at unused doors
- remove external antenna
- mount larger but small tires
- mount underbody cover
... any ideas-not invalidating warranty?

RECODRIVE - Rewarding and Recognition Schemes for Energy Conserving Driving, Vehicle procurement and maintenance

[MetroMPG]

Does the Corsa have an ECO version? You might start by comparing the differences between the models.

What's your involvement with RECODRIVE?

[Peter7307]

Efried,
Welcome to the place and enjoy your stay.

The Opel Corsa is an economical car to begin with and finding extra fuel economy jumps may be a challenge.

Keeping the warranty will be the biggest problem to overcome.

Good luck , Pete.

[cfg83]

Efried -

Welcome to EM! Make a mod that is easy to reverse for service visits, . I agree with trying to get an "Eco" version. My opinion of your list :

- buy without tires and replace... => Will the dealer let you do this?
- change motor oil, lube oil etc. => As long as you keep the same spec (5W30 or ???), why not?
- exchange tire caps => You mean the wheel covers? If you have steel wheels, it will be easy to do what you want.
- cover gaps at unused doors => I say yes
- remove external antenna => I say yes
- mount larger but small tires => I say yes
- mount underbody cover => Make it easy to remove for service visits. I would take it off before the visit because they won't put it back together correctly

CarloSW2

[Efried]

Hi,

many thanks for answering. Indeed some feasible options.
I have one problem, one additional option and one question:

problem: you can't screw the underbody cover to the chassis without risking warranty may be I may use hook and loop fastener.

option: The flex fix system with the drawer at the back is ideal to add a boattail

question: The sercice shop said the 15" tires have more drag than the 14" because they are wider. I would try to get smaller 15" ones if possible- are they underinformed- we may mount 185/60 R14 or 185/55/R15 without problems

cheers

gerfried

[theunchosen]

If you have the option the 185/60 14s will be superior for FE than the 185/55 14s. The extra half centimeter in profile gives you an extra full centimeter in tire diameter or 3 extra centimeters in circumference.

I think what the dealer might have meant is you'd have to mount something like 190/60 14s. The first is the tire width, second is profile height(height the tire extends above and below the rim) and the inner wheel diamter. Tire width is bad for aero, profile is good(if it fits in your wheel well) and inner diamter is good.

Depending on the suspension. . .I would gamble the dealer is likely not as correct as they think. Alot of times changing the wheel size has very little effect on the ride height thanks in part to the suspension and the alignment components. I dropped from 225/60 18s to 185/65 14s and the car is only a little tiny bit shorter, so in effect the frontal area generated from the extra exposed tire. . .is very small. Underbelly and air dam for the front will help if you put bigger tires on(because you'll have a good bit more airflow under the car).