Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: SailorDave Jul 7 2016, 11:54 AM

I'm new here. Have a 2015 Elantra SE. When commuting to and from work only I can get 34 to 35 mpg on the display with mostly in city driving. When traveling off my normal path for shopping or bringing sister-in-law to and from work, my mpg drops to between 31 to 33 mpg depending on time of day and traffic. Below are the things I do to stretch my fuel economy.

1. Use cruise control as often as possible with Eco mode on.
2. See a stop sign or a light about to change to red or is already red then I'll turn off the cruise control or take my foot off the gas pedal to coast before braking.
3. Pick the route that offers the least amount of stops (stop signs, stop lights).
4. Shortest route isn't always the most fuel efficient due to frequent stops.
5. Take a look at whether leaving earlier or later could result in less traffic thus less fuel used.
6. If running multiple errands, map out the errands prior to leaving home with the errand furthest from home being the first stop. Stop at the closest errand next as you make your way home. This way the engine is fully warmed up and thus burning fuel efficiently.
7. Maintain proper tire pressure. I have a cheap portable air compressor that plugs into the car's outlet to maintain air pressure. These are not for inflating a flat tire.
8. Empty the car (trunk, back seat, etc) of junk that serves no purpose. My car has a small umbrella in the door pocket, tiny portable air compressor, tire pressure gage, roadside emergency kit, first aid kit, and a gallon of washer fluid (live in dusty area and the car doesn't have a warning of low washer fluid). When driving to and from work I also have my water bottle and lunch bag.
9. Once cruise control has been set for the road speed and having to come to a stop, once I accelerate up to around 20mph I hit resume on the cruise control to return to the posted speed limit.
10. On open highway I stay in the right lane with cruise control set. If the posted speed limit is 70 mph then I'm set at 65 mph in clear day weather conditions. If wet, I leave cruise control off to help avoid hydroplane. If after dark, I'll go another 5mph below the speed limit while remaining in the right lane.