What are some driving techniques to get the best gas mileage in my standard?

I drive a manual subaru outback and im not getting very good gas mileage. I drive in a hilly area with lots of stop signs and red lights. What are some tips/tricks for getting better gas mileage?


Also, at what RPM's should i shift? whats most fuel efficient, whats best for the car?


Should i shift into 1st when im going through turns or can i stay in second?


etc.|||The outback, being an AWD, burns some more fuel than comparable-size competition, but it's also superior to most.


First, overinflate slightly your tires and unload all weekend gear or other load from the trunk.


Plan ahead - if you see green at 100 yds, it is likely to turn red soon - don't accelerate. If it's red, it will turn green - slow down well ahead and creep so that your close in by the time it is supposed to change, then accelerate softly.


In traffic, try not to stop to minimize starting from a standstill. Avoid cruise control except on flat, fast thoroughfare. Climb hills by accelerating slightly on level section and coasting uphill (actually, naturally decelerating to the top) - NEVER accelerate uphill! If you ride a bike, you have already practiced most of these things.


Decelerate instead of braking when you see the 3rd stop light up two cars up front.


NOTE: some of the mentioned techniques can't be used in heavy traffic - practice first in low-traffic areas.


There is no hard-set rules for gears through curves - most can be done in 4th or 3rd, some in 5th or even 6th (if available). 2nd is for sharp mountain road curves, 1st to start from standstill (for shortest possible time) and maneuvering only.


Note that 1st and 2nd gears in manual are used quite differently than in traditional auto transmissions.


Shifting - if you have a tachometer (reads rpm), it's easy. Upshift slightly above the max. torque rpm. You can find this in the specs - figure like ...lb-ft (or Nm) ... rpm. This is the revs where your car's engine performs best and burns least fuel. You should try to be close to that value in most situations when you need power or performance. Figure out the average rpm drop when upshifting. Say, the max. torque is at 2,500 rpm and the upshifting drop is 500 rpm. Upshift at 2,500 + 500 = 3,000 rpm. When you release the clutch the higher gear will engage at about 2,500 rpm, where your pulling power is at the maximum.


Downshifting is best done in low-power conditions - while decelerating (no gas) or braking, it saves fuel, clutch and time. When you need acceleration, you'll always have the right gear already engaged. Downshifting only when you need it is poor practice - too late.


Use the highest gear possible for any road situation, but don't overload with too low rpm (say, below 1,500).


Learn to listen and understand the engine noise, keep it serviced and tuned as per Manufacturer's specs.|||Shift under 3000 rpm.