Welcome to CleanMPG Primer

[msirach]

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.

All new and prospective members should read Beating the EPA - The Why's and How's to Hypermile , 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 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 or directly through Linear Logic's website.

Other excellent articles related to hypermiling include Driving Under Pressure, 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., 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.

Also, here is how to upload pictures to the CleanMPG Gallery: Upload Pictures.

If you're in the market for a new fuel efficient car: The 10 most fuel-efficient new automobiles available in America.
We have an excellent general guide to buying used fuel-efficient vehicles: What if you cannot afford a “new” fuel efficient automobile?

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

2000-2003 Toyota Prius
2004-2009 Toyota Prius
2006-present Honda Civic Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid
2010 Toyota Prius-III Revealed... new details
CleanMPG Previews the 2010 Honda Insight-II


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.

[alacson]

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

[Right Lane Cruiser]

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

Why would you want to do such a thing?

[rkitamata]

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

[msirach]

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

[Right Lane Cruiser]

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.

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by rkitamata

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

What'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).

[curt0721]

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

[Right Lane Cruiser]

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.

[curt0721]

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