What would you pick as your five top, tried and true, tips?

[Lazarus]

I would go with 5 main areas to expound on in more detail.

Instrumentation
Drive with a purpose
Pay attention(Situational awareness)
Follow the law and drive posted speed limit
Car in good working order.(tire pressures, engine, etc)

[RH77]

I'm primarily a highway driver with an automatic, so here's my list (no particular weighted order of importance):

1. Sufficient Practice from Instrumentation (know your vehicle)
2. Scan the road ahead for adjustments (similar to situational awareness)
3. Proper Tune (including underhood mods) and tire inflation -- (includes the engine block heater as an efficient "head start")
4. Aero: Read the wind and adjust speed accordingly / avoid speeds over 60-65 unless coasting downhill / make aero tweaks if able
5. Avoid idling

RH77

[cfg83]

- Drive like a granny
- Off-peak commuting
- Drive like a granny
- Use wifey's car for short low-MPG trips (thank you wifey !!!)
- Drive like a granny

CarloSW2

[RH77]

Originally Posted by cfg83

- Use wifey's car for short low-MPG trips (thank you wifey !!!)
CarloSW2

My secret shame also revealed!

But then I get...

"I had it up to 32.7 and now it's at 32.3 -- what's up with that???"

Uh oh.

RH77

[Big Dave]

1. Diesel engine
2. Manual transmission
3. Numerically lowest gearing possible
4. Clean up your aerodynamics
5. Keep EGT below 600 degrees and RPM below 2000

Maybe a bit esoteric but not repetitious.

[Andyman]

top 5 maintenance items:
1) Check for normal operating temperature. Install new thermostat if too cool.
2) Set ignition timing.
3) Make sure ignition advance mechanisms work correctly.
4) Make sure fuel mixture is correct by measuring oxygen sensor output or sniffing the exhaust. Replace oxygen sensor, temp sensors, vacuum hoses, intake manifold gasket or timing belt if needed. Check air filter and choke if engine has a carburetor.
5) Check for easy rolling by pushing the vehicle with the transmission in neutral on a level surface. Inflate tires, fix brakes or adjust wheel alignment if needed.

Top 5 modifications:
1) Warm air intake
2) Grill block
3) low viscosity synthetic engine oil
4) Fuel heater connected to heater hose or radiator hose
5) Hydrogen injection with lean fuel mixture (see www.hhowater4gas.com)

top 5 driving tips:
1) Drive between 30 and 60 MPH when possible.
2) Avoid excessive braking by allowing enough following distance, slowing early for stops.
3) Accelerate gently to avoid downshifts or release of torque converter lockup.
4) Follow large trucks on the highway to reduce wind resistance.
5) Shift to neutral when descending mild hills or slowing down gradually.

My goal was to list the things that give maximum benefit for the minimum cost and effort.

[ihatejoefitz]

Originally Posted by Andyman

5) Hydrogen injection with lean fuel mixture (see www.hhowater4gas.com)

What?

[Andyman]

Originally Posted by ihatejoefitz

What?

Do you mean you don't know what hydrogen injection means or you don't think it would help? The idea is to use about 100 watts of electrical power to generate some hydrogen and oxygen gas from a tank of water and mix that with the intake air. The hydrogen is supposed to speed up the fuel burn and allow the engine to run on a lean mixture. I haven't tried it myself but I've read about it from several sources and believe it should work. It was recently discussed on a "Coast to Coast AM" radio program. You can read about it here:

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2008/05/08.html

I think that the fuel economy improvement might not be much unless the fuel system is modified for a leaner mixture. I think it might also be useful to mix some steam with the intake air.

[carbonbuilder]

How much is shedding extra weight worth? Is there some scientific formula out there, like for every 100# less there is a corresponding percentage increase in MPG? Is it cost efficient to replace parts with carbon fiber molded parts etc.? New to the group and searching for advice.

[Bror Jace]

My list:

1) Slow Down on the highways
2) Increase tire pressure to max sidewall rating (or 1-2 psi less)
3) Pace traffic, anticipate the change of lights to minimize use of throttle and brakes
4) Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle
5) Don't idle – avoid drive-thrus, warm-ups, etc …

I think these lists are worth repeating as the media does such a poor job covering this and other technical issues ... look at that recent article on CNN.com (link available elsewhere on this forum).

CarbonBuilder, that's a good question. Of course, I don't think there's an easy answer. I think weight matters more in stop-and-go driving and less on the highway where momentum works for you while weight works against you ... so they help cancel each other out.

One of the best tankfuls I ever got with this '06 Civic (about 42.5mpg) was when I was moving last year and my car was loaded right to the gills. BUT ... my move was in the middle of summer, almost all of the trip was highway and the traffic late in the morning and early afternoon was very light ... and the return trips (I made a handful) were completely empty.