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Old 03-11-2008, 04:15 AM
TonyTheTiger TonyTheTiger is offline
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Real Name: Tony
Hybrids: Camry
Posts: 5
Default Re: The other side of mileage improvement techniques

You make some interesting points and, like everything else written, some of them require plenty of thought.

The tire issue is, of course, a major item on your list and yes, 5-10PSI should be avoided for an extra couple MPG. But 2-3PSI shouldn't affect handling and may give a small improvement in gas mileage without increasing risk or tire wear significantly.

As for "coasting', I'm not sure what the difference is between throwing the vehicle into neutral and the engine cutting off on its own as you slow down. Both require braking without engine assistance.

Which brings me to another point. Engine braking. Many people drop down to the B setting (or on other cars, the option to drop a gear for hills or slowing down) to use the engine to save brake wear. I do this myself sometimes - and it doesn't seem to affect MPG).

I wonder what's cheaper to replace though, as set of brake pads (and maybe rotors) or a gearbox out of warranty?
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