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Primer to CleanMPG

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and prospective members of CleanMPG. Whatever your reason for hypermiling, whether it is raising your fuel economy, lowering your costs and emissions, reducing foreign oil imports, or simply trying to lower your blood pressure while driving, we are here to help.

Hypermiling is a term coined by Wayne Gerdes (xcel) and was recognized by Oxford University Press as their 2008 Word of the Year (http://blog.oup.com/2008/11/hypermiling/).

All new and prospective members should read Beating the EPA - The Why's and How's to Hypermile (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510), which is an excellent article authored by Wayne Gerdes describing the EPA mileage tests, how hypermiling can allow everyone to beat the EPA estimates, and many hypermiling techniques in detail. There are many members that will testify as to the effectiveness of this method of driving.

The ScanGaugeII (http://www.scangauge.com/support/savefuel.shtml) is an extremely compact automotive computer designed to read and display information about your vehicle in real time. One of the many benefits of membership here is the qualification to be part of a group buy which can add custom programming for your particular vehicle as well as other perks. It can be purchased on the CleanMPG Homepage (http://www.cleanmpg.com/cmps_index.php) or directly through Linear Logic's website.

Other excellent articles related to hypermiling include Driving Under Pressure (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11652), an excellent article authored by Sgt. Dave Storton posted on Officer.com, detailing why higher tire pressure is not only safe, but could indeed save your life.

Although drafting is discussed at times, it is not endorsed or condoned by CleanMPG. Please stay a minimum three car lengths away from a semi or observe the illustrated “No Zone” placard placed on the rear doors of many semi tractor- trailers.


To help you get around CleanMPG itself, we have several excellent articles on hand.

Should the server ever be busy, Dan has made a thread: How To - The server is too busy at the moment. Please try again later. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12136), detailing how we can all survive these down-times.

Fanamingo has created a very good post showing how to link your mileage log to your signature: How To - Link your Mileage Log to your Signature (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11357).

Also, here is how to upload pictures to the CleanMPG Gallery: Upload Pictures (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9773).

If you're in the market for a new fuel efficient car: The 10 most fuel-efficient new automobiles available in America (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9350).
We have an excellent general guide to buying used fuel-efficient vehicles: What if you cannot afford a “new” fuel efficient automobile (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=665)?

We have many detailed articles that members have written on how to hypermile specific vehicles.

2000-2003 Toyota Prius (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5155)
2004-2009 Toyota Prius (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1224)
2006-present Honda Civic Hybrid (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1306)
Ford Escape Hybrid (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350)
2010 Toyota Prius-III Revealed... new details (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18752)
CleanMPG Previews the 2010 Honda Insight-II (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18649&highlight=2010+honda+insight)


If you have ANY questions, please feel free to ask. Someone once said, “The only foolish question is the one not asked.” The administrators and moderators strive to keep CleanMPG a family friendly community. If you have an issue with treatment or content, please contact one of us directly by PM or email.

I now own a 2009--HCH(Spectrum Pearl White) for the last 3 weeks. My previous car was a 2003-HCH(taffeta white) which I got in June of 2002 and was involved in what I thought was a minor accident involving 3 other cars. The repair cost was more than 70% of its value, so insurance has to declare it as "totaled". Anyway, my question is can the 2009-HCH's "Auto Stop" feature be turned off? On my 2003, it can. Thanks

Sure. Crank up the AC or the heat (depending up on the outside temperature).

Why would you want to do such a thing?

Hi Everyone! I have been a member of InsightCentral.net since I first purchased my Honda Insight in 2001! But when my IMA light when on last month, I have not been able to find as much IMA Battery warranty information until finding your great website. I have printed out the Honda Bulletin 06-026 so generously provided by "Right Lane Cruiser", and I will talk to my Honda dealer about this matter this week! Thanks for all the help so far. I will read on. . . and I will keep everyone who's interested, posted.

Best regards, rkitamata
2000 Honda Insight Silverstone MT

Welcome to CleanMPG! Hang around and let us know your results!

A warm welcome from me as well, RKitamata! I'm glad you found the information useful and I hope that your experience getting the battery replaced is as painless as mine was last fall. :)

Hi Everyone! I have been a member of InsightCentral.net since I first purchased my Honda Insight in 2001! But when my IMA light when on last month, I have not been able to find as much IMA Battery warranty information until finding your great website. I have printed out the Honda Bulletin 06-026 so generously provided by "Right Lane Cruiser", and I will talk to my Honda dealer about this matter this week! Thanks for all the help so far. I will read on. . . and I will keep everyone who's interested, posted.

Best regards, rkitamata
2000 Honda Insight Silverstone MTWhat's the code?

If it's the battery pack, it's easier to resolve than a problem with the IMA major hardware (at least for awhile).

I would like to say hello to all the many people who have contributed to make this site a very useful source of information for me, new to the hybrid and hypermiling world. I just purchased a 2008 Toyota Prius with 15k miles and so far at 200 miles I am getting about 48 mpg on my work commute and one extended drive. I am utilizing several of the hypermiling techniques I have learned here and this stuff works. Of cours3, I have much yet to learn. My next tank will be based upon 40 psi tire pressure to see what difference that makes.
Also, does anyone have any data regarding differences in fuel? I will be using only 87 octane, the cheapest, but my experence with other conventional vehicles indicates that I may get improved mileage from the Shell product. Comments please. FYI, I recently achieved over 70 mpg on the interstate over a 40 mile route by holding a steady gas peddle at 60 mph, slowing to about 55 on the overpasses, windows closed, no A/C, three people in the car. Is this the norm? I use the pulse and coast technique and am surprised how little the gas engine runs below 40 mph.
Thanks in advance for your comments,
Curt0721

Welcome, Curt! We are glad to have you here. :)

It certainly sounds like you are off to an excellent start in your new Prius! 48mpg will soon seem low to you with more experience. ;)

70mpg is doable if you were on a downslope? Did you have slower segments at the start and end to pull your average up? Most achieve roughly 60mpg at 60mph in your model.

Many people swear by Shell, though I don't use it myself.

Sean,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, there were slower segments getting on the freeway and off. but I did achieve a constant 70 mpg on the freeway in both directions over relatively flat terrain. Yes, lots to learn yet.
Curt

Welcome To CleanMPG.

Good Luck with the Prius! You are in the learning development stage of hypermiling now. Once you learn what the car is doing, it will be much easier to achieve greater numbers. Consider getting a Scangauge if you don't have one. Toyota left one critical gauge off, RPM. With the Scangauge, you can monitor the different stages of the Prius by watching prameters such as LOD, IGN, RPM.

The tire psi will be an immediate improvement as well as extend the life of them. Do you have the Goodyear?

Good Luck!

I'm a newbie to this site and hypermiling but just purchased a 2010 Escape Hybrid. Second tank of gas, got 34 mpg, mostly hiway but have applied hybrid tips to my driving and expect better results once breakin is over. Driving this vehicle and applying tips on mileage that I have seen on the web has made driving pleasurable once again

Welcome, Chuck! You have a fantastic vehicle for squeezing the numbers out and I have no doubt you'll be happy with your purchase for quite some time to come. :)

Yes, Goodyear Integrity OEM's. I read that there is a Michelin that is better for mileage so will go with that for replacement.
Thanks,
Curt

Hi folks,

Just got my new 2010 Honda Insight. I'm on my second tank of fuel. Got 55 mpg on the first and upped that to about 59 so far on the second. Hoping with a bit more experience i can boost that even more. I luv all the imput i get from my display. It really keeps my eyes on the prize. Thanx for a killer sight. :flag:

Welcome to the site, Sid!!! We are glad to have you and you've picked an awesome vehicle to lower your fuel consumption. :flag:

Welcome indeed. Those initial FE number are great. I just know that you will continue to improve:D

I may try one day to get a test drive in a new Insight. But I'm still very much in love with my first gen Insight.

Hi folks,

Just got my new 2010 Honda Insight. I'm on my second tank of fuel. Got 55 mpg on the first and upped that to about 59 so far on the second. Hoping with a bit more experience i can boost that even more. I luv all the imput i get from my display. It really keeps my eyes on the prize. Thanx for a killer sight. :flag:



Welcome To CleanMPG! WoW! Your MPG is one of the best straight off the lot. It takes many several tanks to get the average up there!

Greetings to the staff, and members of this forum,
I like the effort being put forth by people to lessen fossil fuel useage.
Many years ago...Ford tested a carburetor (early 1980's) that showed over 200 mpg with a V-8....and then shelved it.
EFI does not have the programming to allow this to happen.
It is possible...I have duplicated this myself....more than once.
That was under Ford controlled conditions no doubt.
Recently, many strides of achieving 100 mpg has been proven in many places, which is fantastic.
I designed the system so that it is adaptable to any internal combustion engine.
As the patent attornies have assured me, after a historical search, what I have accomplished is considered a new field of study concerning the internal combustion engine thermal efficiencies.
My co-inventors name is Nathan Rogers...without his "mistakenly buying the wrong part"...
This technology would not have existed as quickly as it has progressed.
That part was declared impossible to use...by a NASA scientist...and a Professor of electronic engineering and design..both have published apologies, on the internet recanting their previous statements of "impossibility of functions."

That means I am the "Founder/Father" of a new technology...that does not break the laws of physics...but it does re-arrange them, in manners not previously known.

Applying new technology to old components eliminates most of the programming of computers use today to maintain efficiencies.

Consider this a public notice of sorts, that this does exist, and public awareness is why I post.
The Papp-Noble/Inert gas Engine was demonstarted to me in early 1980's...I am one of the few people that actually saw, in person, the operating engine in Oklahoma, USA.
That required a private invitation from Josepf Papp himself...who told me, that as great as his invention was...the nuclear developement movement was never going to allow his technology to be developed.
We are going through another phase of nuclear developement...to supply the electrical needs for power consumption.
Exactly like Papp, historically speaking, I am in the same situation...as this new technology competes with the nuclear funding already ear marked to progress forward.
That cannot be stopped...I am realistic about such political matters.
What Josepf Papp told me, is that I would, someday, find a safer management system of such energy efficiencies that the people could understand and learn that would compete equally or beat the nuclear power plant issues.
As a man in my early twenties, then, I thought he was fluffing me for funding, he never asked me for a dime.
Those words have haunted me for 3 decades...never really thought I was smart enough to accomplish defining a new technology comparable to the only man, I know, that could absolutely control atomic energy and not have all the harmful side effects.
That day has come, the historical impact is happening now...today.

As a backyard scientist, what I have discovered/invented, would never have been discovered by good, great, superior mechanics... am not a motorhead...beyond simple tuning and regular maintenance... I let the experts do it...money wise.

The people in Washington, DC, have been given notice, by me, that if my technology is not put into use, within my time line, the information is located in 70 places around the world and upon any accident, demise, or such nonsense...the information will be released globally.
That being stated, I have taken these measures to insure public awareness, via this forum, and other forums, to make a recorded message that can be printed off and kept.

The will become historically, always, known as "The Hull Effect".
Keep up the good work, and I will do the same.

Sincerely,
Robert W Hull, Inventor, Chief Technology Officer

Welcome to CleanMPG Robert! Keep us posted of any results.

Good Evening all and Thank you for the "Welcome Primer" to cleanmpg.com

I just bought a 2001 Honda Insight mt5 with 114,000 miles and already I had to leave it in "sick bay" and find an alternate way home, 300 miles away! Not good! :mad:
The Honda Dealership Mechanics suggested that the previous owner had hidden this problem (and maybe others) from me by "flashing" the ECM rather than replacing it. :mad: Nice! Replacement cost me $1000! :eek: Scarey! Unfortunately, buying the car wiped out my savings so I had to borrow the money to repair the car. I have that sinking, sick feeling in my stomach. Previous owner (a very knowledgable well seasoned mechanic) assured me he had already replaced the battery and associated computer parts.
Is there an attorney in the house?? :eyebrow:
I like the car and was thrilled to buy it! I am amazed at the mpg's (my best so far was 64.3mpg on my second 4 hour trip) but I am worried that I may end up spending another $5000 on top of the money I spent when I bought it! If I had $10k-$12k to start with, I might have bought a newer Insight or Prius. <sigh> :Banane45:
The dealer also stated that the warrenty on this car was only 8/80k. But, I have already noticed posts here to the contrary. Does the 10/157k warrenty cover one replacement or multiple replacements if parts die again before the warranty period runs out? I have been unable to find this clarification during my research.
I have already been exploring this website and am certain that I will enjoy this community and learn much to improve my mpg's and knowledge.
Thank you for providing and maintaining this online community! :woot:

Sorry you are going thru this from another 1st gen Insight owner.

Is it the batteries or the related hardware? (i.e. BCM, MCM, ECU)

I got a grid charger for a weak battery pack - relatively cheap.

Hello mmouwse, Welcome to CleanMPG! Sorry you are having these problems.

Your warranty is 10years/150,000 miles. Call Honda Customer Care if the dealer insists on charging you.

The warranty on the replacement parts is only a flat 12 months. I don't remember a mileage limit on it. Once the parts get changed out, you should be good for years. The newer programming takes much better care of the battery.

Thanks for having me aboard.

I have a 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i with an automatic.

I've just started working on the FE. First thing was to switch from regular to premium fuel during highway driving, on the advice of my mechanic, and the fe improved by 15%. The price difference here is 10% (usually) so I gained a 5% savings. That got me thinking that there must be other ways of improving FE. On the advice of this web site I've increased the tire pressure to the recommended sidewall pressure and I'm now in the process of determining the new FE.

Are there recommend methods to track and apply techniques for improving ones progress?


Cheers,

Gerry

Hi Gerry,
Looks like you are on the right track. The link in my sig will point you to some great info. I just read another thread in the last day or two where a member is getting some great numbers from a Subaru. I will try to find it.

I have a 99 metro 3cyl. app 100k, was idling rough, then smoothed out and then idled rough again, then shut off. now have no spark, could it be the pick up coil? ohmed it and got app 240 om. thanks madddog

I have a 99 metro 3cyl. app 100k, was idling rough, then smoothed out and then idled rough again, then shut off. now have no spark, could it be the pick up coil? ohmed it and got app 240 om. thanks madddog

This site is useless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused:

Um, you posted on the Saturday of Halloween weekend about something not directly related to fuel economy minded driving, didn't get an answer by early Monday morning, and now our site is "useless?"

:rolleyes:

This site is useless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused:

You may want to check out a site like teamswift for better answers to your previous question.

I have a 99 metro 3cyl. app 100k, was idling rough, then smoothed out and then idled rough again, then shut off. now have no spark, could it be the pick up coil? ohmed it and got app 240 om. thanks madddog

Primary .72 to .88 ohms
Secondary 10.2 -14 ohms

Did you bother doing a rudimentary test such as simply looking at the spark? Bright blue angry spark or a mellow yellow or no spark?


Before you ask a vehicle specific mechanical question in a general thread, you might consider posting it in a more appropriate thread such as a Geo thread.

Hi,

Recently got a 2011 Nissan Xterra 2WD. Have been looking at these for years, but was never excited about the EPA mileage. My old Subaru outback finally gave up at 228K miles, so I got the Nissan. I currently commute 46 mi. round trip, but will be retiring in a couple months. I consider myself a mature driver, but have not studied the science of getting better mpg. After running out the first tank of high test that the Nissan dealership put in, I wanted to get a baseline combined mpg rate. I expected 17, but got 22! Second tank had more city use than the first, but I still got 20. I am looking forward to learning new techniques, and will be ordering the ScanGague soon. BTW, when I see car ads on TV I often tell friends about a '95 Honda Civic DX I had that got 44 mpg "right out of the box".

Welcome to CleanMPG!
The Primer is the right place to start. Good luck with the Xterra. I had 3.0L in a Frontier and it really liked fuel. The 2011 model should be much better than the 2001 model.

Welcome to CleanMPG! If you can't find the info you're looking for, just ask.
The link in my sig will point you to a lot of the great info here.

Good Luck!

Hello Everyone,
My name is Rob and I've been involved in energy conservation for a long time. I'm now retired (electronic engineer) and off the grid running PV and soon wind.
I have a 2006 Subaru Outback that gets us around in the winter. It's 4WD and it gets OK mileage.
I want to build an EV but right now I just fixed up my mom's old Honda Accord hatchback from 1984. I see the EPA on this was 41 hwy for the automatic but I'm looking to do much better. I'll pump up the tires and I just put synthetic in the tranny and engine (10w 30 Mobil 1) but I'm thinking about going to 0-30 or 0-40 Mobil 1 in the future. The car is in great shape and only has 37k mile on it. I originally gave it to a kid who overheated it and blew the head gasket which I replaced. The car runs pretty well now but I want to let it run in awhile longer before I adjust the valves.
I was wondering if there is an mpg gauge around for this car without the OBDll sensor technology. I see Whitney sells a vacuum gauge, is the best i can hope for without designing my own guage?

Rob

Hello Everyone,
My name is Rob and I've been involved in energy conservation for a long time. I'm now retired (electronic engineer) and off the grid running PV and soon wind.
I have a 2006 Subaru Outback that gets us around in the winter. It's 4WD and it gets OK mileage.
I want to build an EV but right now I just fixed up my mom's old Honda Accord hatchback from 1984. I see the EPA on this was 41 hwy for the automatic but I'm looking to do much better. I'll pump up the tires and I just put synthetic in the tranny and engine (10w 30 Mobil 1) but I'm thinking about going to 0-30 or 0-40 Mobil 1 in the future. The car is in great shape and only has 37k mile on it. I originally gave it to a kid who overheated it and blew the head gasket which I replaced. The car runs pretty well now but I want to let it run in awhile longer before I adjust the valves.
I was wondering if there is an mpg gauge around for this car without the OBDll sensor technology. I see Whitney sells a vacuum gauge, is the best i can hope for without designing my own guage?

Rob

Welcome to CleanMPG.

MPGuino (http://ecomodder.com/wiki/index.php/MPGuino) is an MPG gauge that can be installed in cars that are pre OBDII.

Hi All,

I first heard of hypermiling from an article in Mother Jones magazine. I recognized several things which I regularly do, like coasting and avoiding the brakes from my days driving in snow.

My only car is a 2004 Sienna Minivan which came with a fuel gauge, only because I wanted stability control and it was packaged together with about $3000 of other items. My gauge averages about 26 mpg, but as calculated at the fuel pump, more like 22 in mostly city driving.

The first brakes on the car lasted over 90k miles, and the dealer said they are typically replaced every 25-30k for everyone else.

Recently, I got some fuel-max technology tires because I saw they were standard on the cruze eco and ford high mileage cars. Jury is still out, and they are very noisy and handling is much worse than the stock dunlops. Maybe I should try higher pressure.

Other than ridge running in my heavily rutted by buses streets, if nobody is behind me I take a good long time to get to 60 mph.

I would be interested in a few techniques which may work with my Sienna, with its massive size and barn-door aerodynamics. A 1 or 2 mpg increase would be a coup.

Robert

Many thanks to CleanMPG for accepting my invitation. I hope to use this medium to learn more and also give/get assistance and solutions.

Hi, just joined a few days ago. Thanks for the welcome. My ride is new, a 2011 Scion x/b with 3,500 miles on it. Looks and rides great, but the MPG has not pleased me. I have struggled to get 20 MPG out of it. I have been driving it like an old lady trying to see if I can get the MPG up, but nothing works. What could be wrong with this car other than a leaking gas tank or fuel line? I need help. Want to have some ideas before I take this gas hog back to the dealer where I bought it.

What tire pressure are you running? Make sure at least door placard, and many here including me look more to the maximum on the sidewall or between those two levels. Anything below placard is death to fuel economy. More air helps.

If psi ok, try this: On an empty street, get your speed up to 20 or more mph, throw it in neutral, and see if it feels like you are gliding freely or do you perceive negative g's which might indicate a brake dragging or something draggy in the drivetrain.

If that checks out ok, then check your oil level. It ought not be above full.

At idle, does the engine sound smooth and quiet?

If none of the above helps, time to check the MAF sensor and throttle body to see if they need cleaning.

Of course, if you have a scangauge, you can test your steady state fuel economy at various speeds. They should be above EPA until higher 70+mph runs.

You could have an alignment issue; does the steering pull left or right?

You could have a tire balance issue; any vibration?

You could have a bad plug or plug wire.

So many choices! Good luck!

Also, if this is stop & crawl or other urban traffic disaster, then don't condemn the car until you get out in the open and test it. Also, consider driving more aggressively than an old lady (accelerate faster), but cut to a glide (N or DFCO) at a lower speed.

ksstathead, thanks for the advice. I will be checking the tire pressure first, then the drag test. I have a hunch this is the reason the car was traded after 3,300 miles. I am also going to have the timing checked, it might have come from the factory with a timing belt that was installed improperly causing the timing to be advanced, hence increased performance and greatly decreased FE. Thanks again. I will let you know the results.

hello, my name is Dave and I drive a 2003 chevy silverado 1500 ext cab w/ a 4.3 v-6 motor. this puppy weighs 6200 lbs.(ouch) I drive 60 mi high way and 15 mi city every day. I drive at 55 mph, & hate using my brakes, I replaced the air filter with an nk oil filter, I've taken out the back seat, pumped the tires to 45 psi, taken out the spare tire ( i carry a can of fix a flat ), I add marvel mystery oil to the gas, and I've taken off the tail gate. I get around 20 -22 mpg but that is just a guess because I never put more than 10 gal in at a time. HELP there is nothing more I can take off the truck to make it lighter. Any Ideas to increase my mph ?