Joe's top tips for more mpg

-Joe · 28th October 2013, 00:49

If you wish to get the maximum mpg from your car you can drive it carefully, avoid labouring the engine at all times, minimise using the brakes by looking further ahead and anticipating the road more, hang well back from the car in front etc. but here are a few extra things that I do to save fuel.

1. Make sure the car has no engine / gearbox faults. The engine must be able to get up to temperature quickly, temp dial half way and stay there or your mpg will be really bad.
2. Ensure tyres are good and pressures are correct.
3. Ensure the wheels track perfectly.
4. At over 60mph the aerodynamics affect mpg, a clean car slips through the air better, so wash your car if it's muddy and you are going to use the motorway.
5. When climbing hills go for 1900-2000 revs. Change gear to keep the engine at 1900 rpm as for the required road speed. 1900rpm is the maximum torque of the CDT.
6. Don't use the heater on hot until the engine has warmed up.
7. Reduce weight by removing junk from the boot and back seat. Run the car with less fuel in the tank. Use 2 stroke to save the fuel pump.
8. Only use the aircon when going downhill.
9. Turn off the heated rear screen when it's not needed.
10. Minimise FBH use and windscreen wiper use by only driving when it's not raining and warm outside.

I get pretty good mpg I think my car is going well, anyone else got any good tips to eak out extra mpg?

ziggy72 · 28th October 2013, 06:04

I can't think of any more tips, especially any that could top numbers 4 and 10.

mrvandango · 28th October 2013, 06:31

We had a guy drive around with all van driving employees last year who the company used to cut the fuel bill. He strongly advocated block gear changes when moving off i.e. 1 - 3 - 5 and changing gear at around 2500 rpm. Another method is to get to your required speed as soon as possible and then feathering the throttle to maintain. Both will see a huge benefit in economy. Love these threads!

Sledge · 28th October 2013, 10:46

If trying to squeeze any extra fuel economy is so important, sell the car and walk or buy a bike.

Sebastienclement · 28th October 2013, 10:50

I think - other than keeping your car in good mechanical condition - one of the most important factors for fuel economy is observation and planning while you're driving.

When I was 19 I achieved gold standard in my IAM test, and since applying everything I learned in the training I received there, my average fuel economy improved dramatically. I still use the performance of my cars nicely, but really maintaining momentum as well as [b]being in the correct gear for the speed/b] is something that people really overlook!

I don't advocate any of this hypermiling stuff you read about in the papers - I enjoy my cars and that includes heating, air con, radio, windscreen wipers etc... and I always average a decent consumption for the car I'm driving.

Astraeus · 28th October 2013, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebastienclement

I think - other than keeping your car in good mechanical condition - one of the most important factors for fuel economy is observation and planning while you're driving.

When I was 19 I achieved gold standard in my IAM test, and since applying everything I learned in the training I received there, my average fuel economy improved dramatically. I still use the performance of my cars nicely, but really maintaining momentum as well as [b]being in the correct gear for the speed/b] is something that people really overlook!

I don't advocate any of this hypermiling stuff you read about in the papers - I enjoy my cars and that includes heating, air con, radio, windscreen wipers etc... and I always average a decent consumption for the car I'm driving.

I am afraid I couldn't go with the air con switched off. Had a journey from Tayport to Coningsby this year in the summer without air con. Was melted when we got there. Aircon on on for me! Also keeps the screen nice and clear when it is chucking it down.

Chris

bl52krz · 28th October 2013, 11:51

Lets all go back to skool.I always change up in the first three gears at 2000 rpm. Where possible go first third fifth gears. Always be observant of what is going on in front as well as the side of you. Dont drive to close to the idiot in front otherwise you could become the idiot yourself. Dont "drive" round islands and corners at speed. If traffic lights are any other colour than green do not accelerate towards them if you are within 100 yards. When on the motorway, let speed build up slowly. Always pretend that you have got an egg under the throttle pedal. Keep an eye out for other Rover/MG drivers and give them a wave. Just heard the bell so off to dinner now.

Dorset Bob · 28th October 2013, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebastienclement

I think - other than keeping your car in good mechanical condition - one of the most important factors for fuel economy is observation and planning while you're driving.

When I was 19 I achieved gold standard in my IAM test, and since applying everything I learned in the training I received there, my average fuel economy improved dramatically. I still use the performance of my cars nicely, but really maintaining momentum as well as [b]being in the correct gear for the speed/b] is something that people really overlook!

I don't advocate any of this hypermiling stuff you read about in the papers - I enjoy my cars and that includes heating, air con, radio, windscreen wipers etc... and I always average a decent consumption for the car I'm driving.

Forward planning, anticipation and observation.
Otherwise, you are using a lot of petrol to heat the brakes up.

T-Cut · 28th October 2013, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Joe

The engine must be able to get up to temperature quickly, temp dial half way and stay there or your mpg will be really bad.

The temperature gauge doesn't actually tell you that. The 'normal' line is reached at 75°C. If the thermostat is dodgy the temperature may stay there, and the gauge will stay put and you'll get poor fuel economy. The only way to confirm the correct running temperature/fuel efficiency is to use the diagnostic mode temperature display or fit a proper gauge.

TC

Andydote · 28th October 2013, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Joe

10. Minimise FBH use and windscreen wiper use by only driving when it's not raining and warm outside.

This is a joke, right!?

I can imagine trying to use that excuse when I'm late for work. Sorry boss, I like to get the best MPG and because it was raining I decided to wait at home...

28th October 2013, 00:49	#1
-Joe Avid contributor Rover 75 Classic SE 1.8T Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: wink Posts: 135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	Joe's top tips for more mpg If you wish to get the maximum mpg from your car you can drive it carefully, avoid labouring the engine at all times, minimise using the brakes by looking further ahead and anticipating the road more, hang well back from the car in front etc. but here are a few extra things that I do to save fuel. 1. Make sure the car has no engine / gearbox faults. The engine must be able to get up to temperature quickly, temp dial half way and stay there or your mpg will be really bad. 2. Ensure tyres are good and pressures are correct. 3. Ensure the wheels track perfectly. 4. At over 60mph the aerodynamics affect mpg, a clean car slips through the air better, so wash your car if it's muddy and you are going to use the motorway. 5. When climbing hills go for 1900-2000 revs. Change gear to keep the engine at 1900 rpm as for the required road speed. 1900rpm is the maximum torque of the CDT. 6. Don't use the heater on hot until the engine has warmed up. 7. Reduce weight by removing junk from the boot and back seat. Run the car with less fuel in the tank. Use 2 stroke to save the fuel pump. 8. Only use the aircon when going downhill. 9. Turn off the heated rear screen when it's not needed. 10. Minimise FBH use and windscreen wiper use by only driving when it's not raining and warm outside. I get pretty good mpg I think my car is going well, anyone else got any good tips to eak out extra mpg?

28th October 2013, 06:04	#2
ziggy72 Posted a thing or two Jaguar S-Type R Audi A5 Sportback Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gateshead Posts: 1,009 Thanks: 823 Thanked 323 Times in 222 Posts	I can't think of any more tips, especially any that could top numbers 4 and 10. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

28th October 2013, 11:51	#7
bl52krz This is my second home Rover 75 cdt club + Rover 2.5 KV6 Conni SE Join Date: May 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 11,394 Thanks: 6,587 Thanked 2,262 Times in 1,729 Posts	Lets all go back to skool.I always change up in the first three gears at 2000 rpm. Where possible go first third fifth gears. Always be observant of what is going on in front as well as the side of you. Dont drive to close to the idiot in front otherwise you could become the idiot yourself. Dont "drive" round islands and corners at speed. If traffic lights are any other colour than green do not accelerate towards them if you are within 100 yards. When on the motorway, let speed build up slowly. Always pretend that you have got an egg under the throttle pedal. Keep an eye out for other Rover/MG drivers and give them a wave. Just heard the bell so off to dinner now. __________________ Great Barr, Birmingham.

28th October 2013, 06:31	#3
mrvandango Gets stuck in MG ZT, MGF, MX-5 Roadster Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Dorchester Posts: 501 Thanks: 48 Thanked 45 Times in 39 Posts	We had a guy drive around with all van driving employees last year who the company used to cut the fuel bill. He strongly advocated block gear changes when moving off i.e. 1 - 3 - 5 and changing gear at around 2500 rpm. Another method is to get to your required speed as soon as possible and then feathering the throttle to maintain. Both will see a huge benefit in economy. Love these threads!

28th October 2013, 10:46	#4
Sledge Loves to post Rover 75 SE V6 2.5 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Durie Hill Posts: 403 Thanks: 28 Thanked 41 Times in 27 Posts	If trying to squeeze any extra fuel economy is so important, sell the car and walk or buy a bike.

28th October 2013, 10:50	#5
Sebastienclement Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: London Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 136 Thanked 160 Times in 85 Posts	I think - other than keeping your car in good mechanical condition - one of the most important factors for fuel economy is observation and planning while you're driving. When I was 19 I achieved gold standard in my IAM test, and since applying everything I learned in the training I received there, my average fuel economy improved dramatically. I still use the performance of my cars nicely, but really maintaining momentum as well as [b]being in the correct gear for the speed/b] is something that people really overlook! I don't advocate any of this hypermiling stuff you read about in the papers - I enjoy my cars and that includes heating, air con, radio, windscreen wipers etc... and I always average a decent consumption for the car I'm driving.