Help Please. What Are Your Best Tips on Fuel Saving or making the most of it in Hybrid Cars?

Stargazer5 on 23/05/2019 - 13:29
Last edited 23/05/2019 - 13:32

I drive a Toyota Corolla hybrid 2019 hatch.
I want to save fuel, but also make the most of my fuel when driving.
Discussion tips Related to getting further.
Running hybrid car on battery only.
Using a setting for aircon, aircon temp use more fuel? Or fan higher? Fan is motorised ( little power I am guessing) while aircon I think uses more power.
The how well can you do in xL/100km game trips.
Stats L/100km and what road speeds.
How to speed up with using less fuel?
How to brake to recharge battery more.
Listening to music in the car with battery only without starting the car for long time ok?
Which fuel is best for price and kms etc, e10, 91 unleaded, 95.?
And what ever else you like.

Some people won’t like this topic, just read next post, skip ahead.

But I really want to learn and socialise. Hence post.
Thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 23/05/2019 - 13:33
    +1

    Drive your car how you want to drive your car, don't limit the a/c or something to save bugger all fuel, don't start decelerating when the red traffic light is a spec on the horizon.

    The cars are tuned to 91 RON, 95/98 won't do anything except cost you more at the bowser.
    The stereo has nothing to do with the fuel economy.
    The a/c has an eco mode, if you want to then use it. Use climate control setting (Auto), don't manually set the fan speed.

    Besides that just drive how you want. You might be talking the difference in less than 1L/100km.

    • Stargazer5 on 23/05/2019 - 15:23
      -1

      Thanks for your reply. Use 91 Ron. Noted

      Is it ok to use stereo a long time on battery without car being on.
      It shouldn’t matter but I want to make sure it doesn’t damage battery or car in any way. Thanks.

      In normal car, battery runs out quick so I don’t do it. It would be interesting to find out how long it can play music for on battery

      • spackbace on 23/05/2019 - 15:25

        If you're just on ignition, the car will auto shut-off after a short period, about 20mins or so I think

        • ATTS on 24/05/2019 - 07:49

          @spaceback

          is that shut off feature only for new cars?

        • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 11:16
          -1

          Does the stereo use the hybrid battery?
          I opened the hood this morning and found a normal car battery.
          So if the stereo uses the hybrid battery is great, because it’s a big battery. If it uses the normal car battery, that is bad…because I want to use stereo without turning ignition on or it doesn’t matter if I turn ignition on?
          I accidentally left middle of car light on over night…does that use the front hood battery?
          Stupid middle light is not working when on door open mode to turn on. Need to get it checked.

          • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 11:19
            -1

            @Stargazer5: In the past I killed front hood batteries by leaving things on over night, that’s bad. Paid morning for new battery. Paid money for charger.

          • spackbace on 25/05/2019 - 11:21

            @Stargazer5:

            because I want to use stereo without turning ignition on or it doesn’t matter if I turn ignition on?

            Start the car but with no a/c on so it's just using the hybrid battery then. It'll still turn over the petrol engine if the hybrid battery gets low.

            Why are you sitting in your car and listening to music for so long?!

            • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 12:29
              -1

              @spackbace: You mean I should put it on to ignition? Or accessory mode only is better?

              I can listen to music and rest in car, using iPads for gaming and surfing on the net.

              I am preparing for road trips down the track. Like staying in Gold Coast or so.
              I can sleep in the car. Weather Shields for opening windows while raining - I need fresh air. Darkest legal tint for blocking out heat from sun and so people can’t really see what I am doing sleeping in seat or lay in boot. I have ice cooler to store electronics during hot weather and doesn’t blow up. Also it makes cold drinks if drinks are left in it over night.
              I put portable battery in car to charge. Like mini hybrid battery for phones, iPads and portable speakers. It charges using car energy like hybrid. Lol.
              I got twin USB (4.2amp) charging port for my cegaratie lighter port.
              Anyway, these are the things I have done so far.

  • Skramit on 23/05/2019 - 13:42
    +12

    All that effort, constantly, for months and months, to save $1.85.

    • Stargazer5 on 23/05/2019 - 17:37
      -4

      That’s $1.6 times 10 per refuel. $16 of fuel…car does about 1000km per full tank. Hmmm well I need to see how much effort it takes to save $16 first before deciding. But thanks. $1.6 per 100km extra work lol. Yeah, that’s a bit little

  • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2019 - 13:46
    +1

    i think the simple answer would be dont floor it when you drive

    fill up tires to recommended PSI

    • pao2x on 23/05/2019 - 17:20

      Recommended is usually for comfort. Max tyre value is for fuel economy + the added bonus of you don’t need to fill as often.

      • brendanm on 23/05/2019 - 18:54

        Max tyre value is for maximum load, and will wear the centre of the tread like crazy, as well as being rough as all get out, and reducing available grip.

  • Fergy1987 on 23/05/2019 - 13:47
    +4

    buy a bicycle

  • brad1-8tsi on 23/05/2019 - 13:51

    look further up the road and read the traffic flow.
    Avoid heavy braking and acceleration
    Over-inflate your tyres to 36-40psi
    Don't use the boot as a storage area.
    Do your own fuel tests to determine which fuel gives the optimal c/km

    • spackbace on 23/05/2019 - 14:29
      +1

      Avoid heavy braking

      Actually that's beneficial to hybrid ;) not to your tyre/brake replacement costs, but directly to fuel savings it is. Though the longer you're on the brakes/decelerating, the better, rather than a short jab of braking

      • pegaxs on 23/05/2019 - 14:33

        Can confirm. The harder I brake while driving, the more regen it gives me. The first part of the pedal travel is mostly regen.

      • brad1-8tsi on 23/05/2019 - 15:36

        I'll take your word for it as all the Camry hybrids at work are 2-3 years old and I'm sure the technology improves every year. From my experience, the first 1/3 of the pedal travel is regen and the rest is traditional brakes + regen so I try and just use the top 1/3 of pedal.

    • inherentchoice on 24/05/2019 - 11:41
      +1

      Over-inflate your tyres to 36-40psi

      Yes, but this will significantly decrease traction and increase the risk of sliding off the road, especially in wet weather.

  • pegaxs on 23/05/2019 - 14:19
    +6

    Leaving it in the garage and never driving it saves me so much fuel, it’s crazy!

    • Stargazer5 on 23/05/2019 - 15:19
      -1

      Hence the part where I said, make the most of it, lol. Hmm if I don’t drive the car, it will be a waste of buying it and insurance. So much money it’s crazy.

    • brad1-8tsi on 23/05/2019 - 15:37

      yep. Mine is great. 8 weeks between fills. If I could reduce my Opal card top-ups at the same time it would be great

  • whooah1979 on 23/05/2019 - 19:52

    Fill up the tank tomorrow at 06:56 AEST Brisbane or 07:16 AEST Sydney.

  • Levathian on 23/05/2019 - 20:35

    Can I ask how much fuel its currently using?

    • Stargazer5 on 24/05/2019 - 11:37

      When I first stared it was about 5.2 or more, after I learnt tricks, I got it to 4.4l/100km just last trip. With this rate, I can get 1000km per tank. Tank is xx litres, not exactly sure.

      • Circly on 24/05/2019 - 12:07
        +1

        You won't get too much better than 4.4 even after doing what you suggested in the OP.

        • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 07:02
          -1

          Yeah, I can get it to 4.3 yesterday night. But I don’t think I can get it much lower that that too. ESP without making too much more effort into it, which will be more troublesome than its worth. Thanks.

      • Levathian on 24/05/2019 - 12:15

        4.4 is pretty amazing. What are you trying to get it down to? 4? A saving of 0.4L/100 is about 55c/100km, or over a year it's only like $80…

        • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 07:00

          I am just trying, best ways to drive, to see how low it can go, then evaluate if it’s worth it compared to normal driving with momentum in mind. Just at testing stage at the moment. If it’s troublesome, I will ease out a bit. I am trying to get low but not do it too drastically.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2019 - 20:47
    +1

    just dont pay for your petrol, fill up and drive off.

  • Euphemistic on 23/05/2019 - 22:56

    Using a setting for aircon, aircon temp use more fuel? Or fan higher? Fan is motorised ( little power I am guessing) while aircon I think uses more power.

    Yes AC uses more power than the fan only. Turning off the AC when you don’t need it will save a small amount of fuel. It used to be that an AC used a lot of power from the engine, you could feel it but in and out while driving, but not so noticeable in current vehicles. don’t leave the AC off all the time though, it will stop working as the seals etc dry out. Turn it on for a while at least weekly. .

    Listening to music in the car with battery only without starting the car for long time ok?
    How long are you talking? Leaving the key I. The accessory setting is a recipe for a flat battery, but you should be ale to listen to the radio for a hour easily with no problems, probably as much as 3-4 hrs, but you never know… leaving the key in the ign position will run the battery flat a lot quicker.

    As others have mentioned the best two things for saving fuel are not sieving short trips (use your legs) and not driving in a manner that requires you to push hard on brake or accelerator pedals. Read the traffic and brake and accelerate gently.

    • Levathian on 24/05/2019 - 08:08

      Oh. I never use A/C, I find it sets off my allergies. Is that really bad?

    • Stargazer5 on 24/05/2019 - 12:45

      Thanks, useful tips.

    • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 11:25

      Do you know if the stereo and inside lights use front hood car battery or hybrid car battery.
      I don’t want to make front battery flat.
      At times I accidentally leave inside lights on, and it’s a worry.

  • inherentchoice on 24/05/2019 - 11:39

    E10 has less energy per litre than unleaded 91.

    My old car would consistently go 5-10% further on unleaded 91 compared to E10, but 91 is only like 2-3% more expensive price wise.

    • Stargazer5 on 24/05/2019 - 11:59

      That’s interesting. Thanks.

      • Euphemistic on 24/05/2019 - 15:00

        But do your own experiments. I tracked fuel usage for a few years in my last car. Used e10, 91 and occasionally premium. I found that driving style (city or highway) made more significantly difference than the fuel type. Other than that there were no discernible differences between using Ac and not, summer or winter etc.

        Edit: get an app to record it, or use proper litres per on techniques. Kms/tank isn’t accurate enough

        • Stargazer5 on 24/05/2019 - 19:22

          Thanks, I watched a lot of Prius YouTube videos and combined with comments on this post I have gone down in L/100km.

          From high 5.8 or so to tonight 4.3l/km.

          1000km per full tank is do able the way I am going.

  • brendanm on 24/05/2019 - 15:16

    Fit a hydrogen generator. It makes hydrogen to power your car from the free energy made by the alternator. A perpetual motion device if you will.

    • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 07:03

      Hmmm, yeah, maybe that will be my next car when it because readily available and tested.

  • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 11:11

    I have reached 4.2L/100km. Has anyone got less than that? How much lower can people go in this corolla hybrid car.
    I did about 40 min driving of 27km. Just driving for enjoyment. If I use ev mode only, later it will use petrol to charge it up, so it might only save for a short trip only. I have been staying in ev or eco mode to get this fuel usage. I am driving mainly 50-70km

    • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 11:12

      @pegaxs? How are you going in the car?

    • spackbace on 25/05/2019 - 11:13
      -1

      There's so many factors in play. All another person needs is more traffic lights, or stop/start traffic to alter it. 1 of my colleagues got the figure down to 3.9 and was happy about that.

      • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 12:20

        I got 4.1 just then. Lol, I am trying to beat it.
        I also tried ev mode and it was on battery till 58-59km/hr. Which I think is better than the hybrid review I have seen. They reported ev mode stoped at 25 miles an hour which is 40km.
        So I can go 58km/h on 60km roads and it would be ok. Also house areas are fine with 50km/hour.
        My battery has been mostly 4/5 full. I want to make use of my battery and even less fuel.

        • Euphemistic on 25/05/2019 - 14:55
          +1

          Are you looking at an average or just the latest trip results?

          I ask becuase our large 4wd normally shows around 10l/100km, but if we take it on a longer freeway type trip it can drop down to 8, but then it will return to around 10 around town again. You need to compare apples with apples, ie checkin your consumption on rep related trips and look at a trend to really see if what you are doing is making a difference, or it was just the traffic, temperature or some other factor.

          • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 19:34

            @Euphemistic: Hmm I am just testing it around my neighbourhood. Like different suburbs. The result is just each trip. But I think it’s a good indication because I am driving in the areas I drive the most. My technique of driving has changed a lot. If I can drive at 4.2l/100km, I will be happy with that. I will just practice to see how much difference it will be and how I can make the most of it.

    • Levathian on 25/05/2019 - 12:22
      +1

      4.2L/100km is amazing
      As I said earlier why are you obsessed with minuscule differences in fuel economy? If you were getting 6+L/100km I could understand but if the difference is 0.2L/100 it isn't worth worrying about. It's literally $40 over a year, at 15,000km/year at $1.30/L…

      • Stargazer5 on 25/05/2019 - 19:53

        It’s ok, thanks. I won’t think too much now hitting around 4.2l/100km each trip lately.

  • clandestino on 10/06/2019 - 20:42
    -2

    Did you purchase the car?

    If you did…I hate to break it to you, but the petrol version would have been more economical when factoring in the purchase price.

    I've got a 2011 hybrid Camry, only done 60k. If we assume that my driving is all super conservative at 6l per 100km (in real life it's more like 7.5) then maybe I'm 3l per 100km better off than a non hybrid version. Let's assume that's $1.50 per litre… Equals $4.50 per 100km… Equals $2700 maximum savings over 60k. Or $5400 over 120k. Problem is, the up front cost of purchase included a premium because it's a hybrid… And that premium was more than $5k.

    Things might have changed nowadays, but I doubt it.

    • spackbace on 12/06/2019 - 12:00

      New hybrid models are only around $1500 more than their petrol equivalent (on Camry and Corolla). Times have changed since the old locally made Camry.

      Worst case is around $3k difference on the RAV4, but that's comparing a 2.0L petrol to a 2.5L hybrid.

      Your Camry also requires premium fuel (95 Ron or higher). New hybrid Corolla is only regular 91 RON, like the standard petrol model.

      A quick check of the website could've saved you that whole comment.

    • Stargazer5 on 15/06/2019 - 18:48
      -1

      The quiet engine, The extra fun, push button start, little fuel smell, less fueling up, keyless entry, extra long time on music with car off, is worth $1500 extra. Around 1/3 extra fuel saving is a good extra. Lol. Mine in real life in cold weather is 4.7/100km. Fuel saving is only the beginning cool factor of accent sport hybrid vs accent sport model.

  • Stargazer5 on 09/07/2019 - 20:10

    Ok I have had the Corolla hatchback hybrid accent sport for about 50 days now.
    Here are some “rough” figures. Not exact. But by my calculations, should be close.

    I use eco mode, and I love it more than normal or power mode. For smoothness, comfort, fuel effluent and quietness.
    One tank 750km real world about used in 3 weeks
    360km per 10 days or so
    4.5L/100km running car fuel.
    5L/100km total used fuel real world figure. Includes music, aircon and stuff
    15km per $1
    About $1.3X or so per L of fuel
    Hopefully aiming for 15,000km a year or more.
    Used mainly urban and a bit of freeway.
    So far I like the car a lot.

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