Made the top 10 first tank, now what?

[Kraig]

I filled up my Festiva yesterday for the first time. Without really trying I got 49.61 mpg in combined driving, beating the EPA estimate of 38 mpg by quite a bit. Now what should I do to get improvements? Techniques first? Then mods? Suggestions would be appreciated since I'm new to this.


Kraig

[Jack]

Many moons ago I was actually number 10 (I think my average was about 44 then too). Since then I have been handily pushed down the rankings.

As for you question first thing to work on would by your driving. That is where you would find you biggest gain. I would also at least max out your tire pressure. While you are doing that take a look at the Garage here to see what others have done to get some ideas.

Hey good start!

[MetroMPG]

Nice work, Kraig.

[Silveredwings]

Very good. Not long ago, I was at or near the top of that list using an unmodified Passat V6 using driving technique alone.

Now, if you look at those hypermilers who have zoomed past me, you'll see that their mods combined with technique are impressive and inspiring.

There's wealth of knowledge here.

[Matt Timion]

Congrats... I was in the top ten a long time ago. I think back then there were fewer than 10 people using the gaslog, which made being in the top ten easy.

As for what to do next, I think that some simple aero modifications might keep you busy for a while. How much are you willing to modify your car?

[SVOboy]

I remember when I was #10, so long ago. I found myself all the way down in 29th very quickly! There's always something to do. I suggest working on driving first as you'll prolly gain more there and have great FE over the life car.

[white90crxhf]

is it safe to fill your tires up past what is recommended? i'd rather not have a blow out.

[SVOboy]

Mine are at 50, several other members run them at 60, or above!

[Kraig]

Matt,
I'm willing to mod the car as I want maximum mileage! Everyone already thinks I'm weird for wanting a Festiva in the first place so that's not a concern. I'm into economy now (my oldest of four kids started college today), a new kind of performance for me. If I feel the need for speed I have a turbocharged four cylinder '86 Comp Prep SVO Mustang in the garage (one of 83 made) it's been on the cover of and in Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine. It's run a best of 14.78 at 92.62 mph spinning the tires all the way through first gear (lousy sixty foot times), not bad for a twenty year old stock four banger!

[Silveredwings]

There seems to be a parallel ruthlessness with which people modify their cars for FE and speed.

[MetroMPG]

There seems to be a parallel ruthlessness with which people modify their cars for FE and speed.

It's true. (Not to mention their driving.) I had a conversation with someone on this topic just a couple of days ago.

[psyshack]

Aww a Festiva. Fine little cars they are IMO. I miss mine alot.

I would work on the driving aspect. Then aero mods and such.

I should have never ever let my wife and kids drive my Festiva. It was the begining to its end. To this day my wife nor children have driven my Civic. I hope they never do.

[Kraig]

Well, that was short lived :D Already bumped from the top 10! That's good because people's FE is going up! Now to get back on that list ....

[SVOboy]

Haha, good luck, ;)

[Gary Palmer]

is it safe to fill your tires up past what is recommended? i'd rather not have a blow out.

I can only tell you my experience with tire pressure.

I've run a lot of tires at significantly higher pressures than the sidewall rating's. For example, max 35, I've run as high as 75 or 80 and I have not had any blowout's from running them high and heavily loaded. I have only had blowout's, primarily, from lower tire pressure's combined with the heat from traveling for long distance's. The second highest source I have encountered has been junk on the road, like ree-bar, in which case, all bet's are off, anyway.

I am currently running all of our car's at 55 and we haven't experienced any difficulties with blow out's, that I'm aware of.

[Jack]

Well, that was short lived :D Already bumped from the top 10! That's good because people's FE is going up! Now to get back on that list ....

Been there done that. Worse yet I keep getting shoved farther and farther down the list.

[Kraig]

I'm working on my "technique". I'm driving with the windows up (kinda warm though, maybe I'll lose some weight and further my FE gains :D ). I'm coasting (motor on) to the stoplights, trying not to have to come to a stop and I'm turning the motor off if I do have to stop. Driving at 55 mph max also, I was driving up to 65 mph when I got the 49.61 mpg. We'll see how this all works out.