Good ways to save gas in a regular automatic car? (Toyota Camry)?

Question

I know it's a Camry already, but my mileage still isn't that great considering how much it's supposed to get. What can I do to save gas? Also, does coasting in neutral do anything?

Answer 1

Using cruise control
Drivers are often advised to use cruise control during long highway drives on level roads. The idea is that it prevents "speed creep" -- the tendency to gradually start going faster the longer you drive -- and cuts down on other unnecessary speed changes which can eat up gas.

In Edmunds.com's test, the Land Rover got almost 14 percent better mileage using cruise control set at 70 miles per hour rather than cruising at driver-controlled speeds between 65 and 75 miles per hour.

The Mustang got 4.5 percent better mileage with cruise control.

Verdict: It works

Roll up windows, use A/C
When driving on the highway, most of a vehicle's power is used simply to overcome aerodynamic drag. On the other hand, air conditioning also uses a lot of power.

Drivers are often told that keeping the windows rolled up, which significantly reduces drag, and using air conditioning actually results in better fuel economy than driving at high speeds with the windows open. In fact, CNN/Money has offered the same advice in a story we've run on our site.

In Edmunds.com's test, conducted at a steady 65 miles per hour, "windows down" or "A/C on" made virtually no difference in mileage.

The Mustang got 4.1 percent better mileage -- 30.7 mpg vs. 29.5 mpg -- with the windows down. The Land Rover got 1.6 percent better mileage with the windows down, a difference of just 0.3 miles per gallon.

Basically, the extra fuel used by the air conditioner is made up for in improved aerodynamics at high speeds. Your not really saving any fuel but, at least on the highway, the A/C isn't costing you appreciably either.

Verdict: No difference

Avoid hard acceleration
You've probably been told before that rushing up to stop lights and racing away from them wastes gas. Turns out it wastes a whole lot of gas, according to Edmunds.com's test.

Slowing zero-to-sixty times to 20 seconds instead of 10 to 15 seconds makes a big difference in mileage over the long term. Braking slowly and gently helps, too.

Driving the Land Rover gently resulted in a 35.4 percent increase in gas mileage while feather-footing the Mustang garnered a 27.1 percent mileage increase.

Verdict: Big difference

Properly inflate tires
Not having enough air in the tires can cause a number of problems, including a potentially dangerous blow-out. But it also reduces gas mileage.

In Edmunds.com's test, the mileage improvement with properly inflated tires, compared to slightly under-inflated ones, was slight but noticeable in the Land Rover but non-existent in the Mustang. Still, for safety's sake, keep enough air in your tires.

Verdict: Small impact on mileage

Answer 2

Coasting in neutral doesn't save gas and it may even use more, besides, it's not really a safe practice when you think about it.
Best gas mileage can be achieved by having good, clean spark plugs, good wires and clean injectors/carbs. Also change your fuel filter every three oil changes to keep the fuel clean and prevent restrictions. Plugs will look worn or have deposits and an older car's plugs should be inspected once a year. Wires can be tested by a service mechanic about every five oil changes. Changing oil every three to four thousand miles will also keep the fuel economy steady and it one of the most over looked parts of preventative maintenance. Tire pressue, low inflation can take away, too.

Answer 3

What I do to help the fuel economy is the following: if auto doesnt have any oil leaks I change over to synthetic oil, install a K&N air filter as well as The Tornado.I also install Bosch platnium sparkplugs.Once a year I will also use a quart of Duralube to lubricate the engine and keep it at peak performance. My 86 Chevy Iroc(305TPI with over 150k) gets around 25-26mpg. I also use a good polish on the car to help with the wind resistance.

Answer 4

dont cost in neutral. can actually cause damage to the trans. when you put it back in gear.

I always start with a good solid tune up. good NGK iridium IX plugs, Powerpath ignition wires, a good K&N or Airhog air filter, quality oil and wix filter(you would be suprised how the correct oil affects gas mileage), cap, rotor, injection system cleaning, high octane fuel, and possible new o2 sensors.

If you need part numbers, let me know.

hope this helps and let me know if you need anything else or have any questions you can email me at [e-mail] or give me a call 866-712-1984

wayne - logixautoparts.com

Answer 5

dont rev the engine too much, speed up tooo fast, only brake if you must if the car is in neutral you get absolutely no power so its not woth it i think

Answer 6

COASTING IN NEUTRAL WON'T REALLY MATTER BUT PROPER TIRE INFLATION AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE LIKE TUNE UP & AIR FILTER CHANGES SHOULD HELP.