Mirage fuel-economy driving tips

[fifteenwindow]

Is idling at start up for 15 seconds better for fuel economy than driving right away?

From Ecomodder.com's 100+ Hypermiling Tips:

"87) Avoid 'warm up' idling

Don't idle your engine to warm it on a cold day. An idling engine gets zero miles per gallon.

Start to drive - under light loads - as soon as the engine is running smoothly (usually immediately). It's a more efficient way to warm the engine and entire drivetrain, including tires."

[kalifornia]

^ nope, but not as good as backing into your parking space- pushing the car down your hill using the e brake to the bottom then bump starting your car. I guess it depends on how weird one is.

[MetroMPG]

Is idling at start up for 15 seconds better for fuel economy than driving right away?

Nope -- I'd drive away (under light load) within a few seconds of starting, except in the coldest of conditions like -15C / 5F or less. (But I'd be using a coolant/block heater then anyway.)

We thought the idling message in that tip sheet might have been intended for people who were used to idling older carbureted cars for much longer. We figured they were saying, "you don't need to warm up the engine for X minutes any more... 15 seconds is more than enough."

[m4v3r1ck]

No idea actually, i've always warming it up properly for about 30 seconds or more and when coming back to the garage drive it calmly for the last 5 minutes to calm down the engine.

[spacester]

No idea actually, i've always warming it up properly for about 30 seconds or more and when coming back to the garage drive it calmly for the last 5 minutes to calm down the engine.

ok thats why you only get 20km on 1 liter :P

[m4v3r1ck]

Nop dun believe that would be the problem, if it is then the car is badly designed. It's the wind and other factors. If I drive 80 km/hour continuously i can get 24 km/L but i won't drive like all other ass that drives 80 km/hour when the traffic's driving at 120 km/hour or faster! Even though it cost me MPG. Know why it can get better MPG in US? Speed limit is 60 MPH so around 95 KMH. I've driven in hawaii and seattle and they the same.

[spacester]

yes i like the speed limits in the us.

[Cleartec]

yes i like the speed limits in the us.

Me too, The amount of fuel burnt is considerable lower

[rusty joe]

So what is the optimal speed to keep my mirage at on the hwy to get optimal mileage?

[Cleartec]

So what is the optimal speed to keep my mirage at on the hwy to get optimal mileage?

I think 90 km/h is great, I stay behind big trucks, not tailgaitnig ofcourse