[Bill Harrison]

Hi all. I really love the insights, and am looking to obtain the most MPG possible for my vehicle, a 1992 Geo Metro XFI. She is rated fairly high (54/58). Anyone have any suggestions for getting the max mileage? Of all the guys who would know, it would be you! So far, here are the steps I have taken. I am running 5w-30 instead of 10w-30 (figured that would lower engine resistance), running the tires at about 10psi over max (rated for 55 max, im running them at 65), and a fresh tune up.

Are there any driving tips to maximize economy? For example, whats the best acceleration method? Full throttle? Partial? Winding gears, or short shifing?

I would like to get this sucker up to 70mpg, I really think it can be done, but first I want a few basic tips, before I move on to the more difficult tasks!

PS, would love to have an insight, but unfortunately well outta my budget for the time being!

Bill

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Re: Newbie, And no, its not an Insight, but still MPG relate

Hi Bill!

As an Insight Enthusiast I think we can welcome your post.

However, issues in regard to increasing MPG are complex as you might have noticed from reading Insight related posts here.

IMO one of the Insight's biggest advantages in maximizing MPG is the MPG indicator. There is one add on available from a company in Sweden, but I have no experience with it.

http://driveright.as/

Back in the late 70's there was a company CompuCruise that made a Driving computer with several transducers that allowed real time MPG monitoring. I had a heavily modified VW Rabbit (now the Golf) at the time. Using my CompuCruise and its MPG indicator I managed to squeeze 40MPG out of one tank. AFAI remember about 20% over its highway rating.

I also have quite a bit of time behind the wheel of a Metro. Had one as a rental on vacation one year. There are no "miracle" improvements that can help, sorry. Maximum MPG in general comes from maintaining the lightest consistent load on the engine and letting speed vary with traffic and terrain. Limiting speed is #1. In a Metro I would expect _peak_ MPG around 43 MPH with a increasing steep drop above 55.

Light accelerations, foot off gas pedal at the earliest possible time on deceleration and letting momentum carry you to near the stop point vs. maintaining fuel consumption longer then converting the momentum to heat via the friction brakes would be an arguable #2.

HTH!

[As Moderator]:
But since this is OT for our group I'll also lock the topic with my reply. I hope you understand.