V40 (1.8L 2001) fuel economy tips?

Naf623 · Mar 9th, 2015, 10:11

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone knows the 1.8L V40 engine well and can give me some tips for getting the best fuel economy, or at least ideas for what to try between fill-ups to track what works best? For example:

Revs: is lower always better, or is there a sweet spot?
Acceleration: is it better to speed up slowly & smoothly, or quickly get up to a higher gear?
Gears: is it always best to be in the highest gear possible for a given speed?
Braking: is braking early & shifting down progressively the most economical option?

I'm planning to try out different styles in between fill-ups for a while to try & see what works best, but I don't think that'll be all that accurate as where I'm driving can vary quite a bit.

skyship007 · Mar 9th, 2015, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naf623

Revs: is lower always better, or is there a sweet spot?
Acceleration: is it better to speed up slowly & smoothly, or quickly get up to a higher gear?
Gears: is it always best to be in the highest gear possible for a given speed?
Braking: is braking early & shifting down progressively the most economical option?

.

1/ Stay away from the turbo boost range, that means below about 2500 for a diesel or 3000 RPM for a petrol. In Germany it means sticking with the trucks on the autobahn at about 60 mph.
2/ As above, accelerate fairly slowly with a manual box, but moderate acceleration is OK for an auto box.
3/ Change gear according to the owners list of gear speeds on page 85 if the road is level.
4/ Try to avoid braking by slowing down early.

It also helps to pump up the tyres and reduce the cars weight if practical.
During the winter use an 0w30 rather than an 0w40 engine oil. If you short trip a lot using an 0w40 is better than a 15w40 whilst the engine is warming up.

Make sure the engine is serviced correctly (Volvo spark plugs etc) and try using a direct feed injection system cleaner when the fuel filter is changed.

happy diver · Mar 9th, 2015, 11:16

Always use an auto manually especially with cruise control activated
Avoid the mundane

druid · Mar 9th, 2015, 13:51

Don't drive like you want to save fuel, just drive like you don't care - within limits of course!

Mar 9th, 2015, 10:11	#1
Naf623 Junior Member Last Online: Aug 12th, 2017 11:01 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: York	V40 (1.8L 2001) fuel economy tips? Hi guys, just wondering if anyone knows the 1.8L V40 engine well and can give me some tips for getting the best fuel economy, or at least ideas for what to try between fill-ups to track what works best? For example: Revs: is lower always better, or is there a sweet spot? Acceleration: is it better to speed up slowly & smoothly, or quickly get up to a higher gear? Gears: is it always best to be in the highest gear possible for a given speed? Braking: is braking early & shifting down progressively the most economical option? I'm planning to try out different styles in between fill-ups for a while to try & see what works best, but I don't think that'll be all that accurate as where I'm driving can vary quite a bit.

Mar 9th, 2015, 11:16	#3
happy diver Active Member Moment Last Online: Apr 29th, 2023 05:58 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brisbane: perfect for one day, asleep the rest	Always use an auto manually especially with cruise control activated Avoid the mundane __________________ 20,000 leagues under the sea diving to adventure in a silent world with my ceiling the waves...Emile

Mar 9th, 2015, 13:51	#4
druid V40 Owner Last Online: Dec 13th, 2020 01:28 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tonyrefail, Souh Wales. View Photos By: druid	Don't drive like you want to save fuel, just drive like you don't care - within limits of course! __________________ *An MS Warior living one day at a time* "Neville" 207,000 so far. Water use 0 - oil negligible....

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