Help me get over 40mpg.

[runbikerun]

Hey, I'm getting around 38mpg with my 09 auto in my daily commute. Using the scangauge I think I am getting about the best mileage out of the stock setup. I was thinking about trying out the Goodyear Fuel Max tires to squeeze out a couple more mpgs. Anyone have any other tricks? Should I go down to 15" wheels from my 16s?

[pb and h]

Drive the speed limit and you will get 40+mpg(even using cruise control). Don't do jack rabbit starts. Smaller wheels wouldn't hurt but not needed. Drive under the speed limit too. 40mpg is easy, 50mpg takes some work and 60mpg is skill.

Good luck

[nc26]

are you auto or manual?
i drive a manual and i tend to shift at 2-2.5k rev
when you start, try to use your clutch more than the gas
if you follow these then it's a piece of piss to get 40+

[Guinness]

Neutral when you go downhill ? =P

I just try to mantain my speed as much as I can and not to accelerate / decelerate too much. Like others, stick to speed limit should get u the MPG.

Prolly keep ur 16" setup cos it cost u more to go from 16->15... u need to buy new tires, rims, and alignment...

[robertdjr]

wheel's are not needed.. just drive under speed limit.. and yeah do more clutch..

[mahout]

Originally Posted by runbikerun

Hey, I'm getting around 38mpg with my 09 auto in my daily commute. Using the scangauge I think I am getting about the best mileage out of the stock setup. I was thinking about trying out the Goodyear Fuel Max tires to squeeze out a couple more mpgs. Anyone have any other tricks? Should I go down to 15" wheels from my 16s?

Easiest thing is raise tire pressure a few more pounds. Even 45 psi but not much use for more.

[awptickes]

Get the lightest tires and wheels you can find.

Try to coast as much as possible.

Don't accelerate quickly, keep an eye on the vac-meter in the dash.

[niko3257]

synthetic oil helps also.
higher tire pressure.
cruise control.
coast alot.
and stay under 60MPH.
this will get there
also just like everyone else said don't
waste your time with wheels. not needed.

[Ein]

Synthetic will not help, it's still the same viscosity. Even using 0W-20, I doubt anyone will notice any difference.

[pcs0snq]

You need to describe what that normal commute is like before we can really provide good help.

[runbikerun]

Originally Posted by pcs0snq

You need to describe what that normal commute is like before we can really provide good help.

Fair enough. I drive around 30mi to work. About 60% is max 45mph stop and go. The rest is 55mph in couple mile sections. I wish I had a straight
non stop route but it is what it is.
Thanks.

I'll start with upping my tire pressure a couple psi.

[wdb]

With that much stop/go action you will do very well to get 40MPG. Try learning P&G techniques, coasting in neutral whenever possible, timing traffic signals so you don't have to come to a full stop, and shutting off the engine when sitting still at traffic lights (I personally would not do the last one but it will save gas).

Good luck, keep us updated!

[pcs0snq]

Have you tried engine breaking and timing those lights? SG will show the GPH go top zero and mpg go to 9999. I'd say that would be your best driving tool considering you have an Automatic. Take the tries to side wall pressure as a minimum. Don't worry the boggy man won't get ya. Some of have been at that for over a year now with no issues.

[itFITz]

drive like grandma n grandpa

[mahout]

Originally Posted by Ein

Synthetic will not help, it's still the same viscosity. Even using 0W-20, I doubt anyone will notice any difference.

Its not the viscosity, its the reduction in fluid resistance to flow. The power to pump synthetic oil is considerably less than for napthenic or parafin based oils at the same flow.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I'm pretty sure the Fit has DFCO. Utilize it when coming to a stop light/sign or a turn. Also, use some hangtime when you can; you have a SGII, so it should be easy. Go to a speed you like, and lay off the gas pedal about 1mm (the TPS should go down by 1 or 2). You'll be travelling at the same speed, but get considerably more FE.

[E = Mc2]

Originally Posted by runbikerun

I'll start with upping my tire pressure a couple psi.

That is the place to start. I've been running sidewall max (44 psi on my tires) for a year/25,000 miles now with no issues. Personally, the tire pressure alone (44psi vs the recommended 32psi) makes a almost 5 mpg difference in my car when using identical driving techniques. YMMV, of course.

Every little bit helps. When I get into the car, I put on my seatbelt, lower the windows if needed, make certain that everything is where I need it, and then start the car. It gets about 2 seconds of idle time and then it goes in gear. At traffic lights, I downshift if necessary to slow the car without braking, and try to keep from stopping altogether.

Keeping engine rpms down, driving like you have no brakes, not using A/C (and keeping the windows rolled almost all the way up) and generally just careful driving should bump it over the 40mpg mark. I find that the slowest I can reliably keep my '08 Base AT in 5th gear is at 50 mph or 55 mph when the engine/trans are still cold. Any slower, and it tends to want to shift into 4th.

[SanDan]

I was at 38psi, on a manual. Driving at or under 65 mph easily obtained 40 mpg.

Going 75mph, probably kills mpg by 3.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I don't know about the Fit, but in a Yaris, I can drive with the driver window down and have no effect on FE. But as soon as I hit the A/C button, I take a 10 mpg hit. I verified this using a SGII.

[kylerwho]

if this is your daily driver then take out the passenger and rear seats cause that will save you some weight and is the cheapest trick.

next you need to tape a rotten egg under your gas pedal so you will be forced not to push it down too far.