How to drive...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Illernois
How to drive...
I've been driving my 2000 ranger 4 banger with 5 speed manual for about 6 months now.
But, i feel like i've never really known how to properly drive it.
What i mean is, i typically drive 300+ miles a week. During those miles i could be at any speed. So when should i be properly shifting to keep wear off the engine, but get the BEST MPG i can get??
I have the habit of rolling to a stop, and not downshifting. Rather wear the brakes, not clutch.
Is it better to drive in 2k- 2.5k rpm or shift up and cruise at 1.5- 1.8k rpm and such like that.
My normal shift speeds around 1st 0-20, 2nd 20-30, 3rd 30-45, 4th 45-55, 5th 55+. Commonly though i will put it in 4th and cruise around at 40 mph, or put in 5th and cruise at 50 mph.
Any critques and such would be welcome. Thanks.
But, i feel like i've never really known how to properly drive it.
What i mean is, i typically drive 300+ miles a week. During those miles i could be at any speed. So when should i be properly shifting to keep wear off the engine, but get the BEST MPG i can get??
I have the habit of rolling to a stop, and not downshifting. Rather wear the brakes, not clutch.
Is it better to drive in 2k- 2.5k rpm or shift up and cruise at 1.5- 1.8k rpm and such like that.
My normal shift speeds around 1st 0-20, 2nd 20-30, 3rd 30-45, 4th 45-55, 5th 55+. Commonly though i will put it in 4th and cruise around at 40 mph, or put in 5th and cruise at 50 mph.
Any critques and such would be welcome. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
Pretty much how I taught my son to drive his 95 B2300 5 speed, except around town, he shifts even lower speed than what you list.
His has the 2.3L, 5 speed, and 3.45 rear axle. Also has the rare manual steering with A/C, so he can't turn lock to lock sitting still.
Paid $700 for the truck a year ago, gave it to him in May as a graduation gift, and today is his 19th b-day. I'd say I got my money's worth......
His has the 2.3L, 5 speed, and 3.45 rear axle. Also has the rare manual steering with A/C, so he can't turn lock to lock sitting still.
Paid $700 for the truck a year ago, gave it to him in May as a graduation gift, and today is his 19th b-day. I'd say I got my money's worth......
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 668
Likes: 6
From: Northfield, MI
Probably the best place to start would be with the recommendations in the owner's manual and then make adjustments from there. The engineers have already done the homework for you.
Your shifts are at way too high of a speed. They recommend that you be ready to shift into 5th at 40mph.
So long as hills aren't involved, these engines can run at relatively low rpm due to the computer controls which improve low end torque and driveability. It can take some getting used to, especially on a buzzy four cylinder. Let the engine work, and your fuel economy will improve.
Your shifts are at way too high of a speed. They recommend that you be ready to shift into 5th at 40mph.
So long as hills aren't involved, these engines can run at relatively low rpm due to the computer controls which improve low end torque and driveability. It can take some getting used to, especially on a buzzy four cylinder. Let the engine work, and your fuel economy will improve.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,495
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I have a brand x truck, 4 cylinder, 5er, 4.10s and 32 inch tires. Depending on your gearing and tire, you might be close as far as ratios.
1st just to get rolling, so shift about 10 mph or so.
2nd to 30, shift to 4th.
5th at 35+.
All these if on level streets, and no other issues.
It will pull 4th down to 25 on the level with very slow throttle inputs.
"Full cerebral control Gas and Gravity Hybrid". You're green and didn't know it.
As long as you can feel some throttle response, you aren't "too low" as far as rpms.
If you want to go nuts, search out "hypermiling":
Hypermiling: Breaking the 100-MPG Barrier - Inside Line
Can't be in a hurry to drive this way.
1st just to get rolling, so shift about 10 mph or so.
2nd to 30, shift to 4th.
5th at 35+.
All these if on level streets, and no other issues.
It will pull 4th down to 25 on the level with very slow throttle inputs.
"Full cerebral control Gas and Gravity Hybrid". You're green and didn't know it.
As long as you can feel some throttle response, you aren't "too low" as far as rpms.
If you want to go nuts, search out "hypermiling":
Hypermiling: Breaking the 100-MPG Barrier - Inside Line
Can't be in a hurry to drive this way.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
Well, if you have bought an older truck, say an 1985, you would have had a light on the dash telling you to "UPSHIFT", {dummy implied, I guess}. The general rule is to upshift whenever you don't need to accelerate any more, and the engine is not lugging. Lugging is where you could open the throttle all the way by flooring the gas, and it would not respond, and in fact, may be slowing down even as you press on the gas pedal. If you are not accelerating nor going uphill, you can upshift as soon as you want. FWIW, you can also skip gears if you have reached the desired speed. Just shift to the highest gear where you can 'cruise' comfortably.
tom
tom
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