Hey guys,
before I ask my question, please understand that I am a youngster and new to cars. I'm pretty sure you guys might laugh at how idiotic this question could be, but I must ask because I have the impression that i'm shifting at the wrong rpm's..

Okay, here I go..!

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On a typical day, what do you consider to be your normal engine rpm when driving. Like at what rpm do you guys shift at??
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I try to keep the engine's rmp at 3000 [e.g. like on the highway].
The reason I'm asking this question is because this car requires higher octane fuel (91+), which got me thinking that maybe these engines were suppose to usually run at higher rmp's because of the fuel type.
My car is an audi a4 1.8t 1999.5 [max rmp around 7500 and idle's at 900-1000 rmp when not rolling].

 

Lol...it depends on your driving style. I drive like a grandma because I want to save on gas, so my RPM's are typically in the 2000-2500 range. When driving in town, they are normally at around 2000 because I try to drive in the highest gear possible in order to save on gas. That being said, I usually get about 320 miles from a full tank of gas and that's with a bad Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor which made my car run rich. I am replacing it today along with all spark plugs. Hopefully I get more... Also when shifting, you kind of have to have a feel for the car, it should feel like something is holding it back, that's when I shift usually at around 3000-4000 rpm, if I feel for spirited driving then my shifts are somewhere between 5000-6000 rpm's when shifting to higher gears. I always take it out of 1st as soon as possible...

 

I usually shift at 3000 rpm. I can go a little over 400 miles per tank.

 

the most ive gotten out a tank is 280 and today i just empty my tank at 250

 

Im in the same boat as Evan 3000 400 miles per tank

 

It's not all about when you upshift. Downshifting is important for gas mileage, too. If you're going 40 in 5th on a flat road just crusing, and then you come up to a steep hill and don't downshift, you'll need to punch it or downshift. Choose the former and your gas mileage sucks.

Wish my mom would realize that, though her latest car is her first auto in a long time, so that's probably a good thing for her.

 

Wow.. thx guys for not rediculizing me.
I appreciate all the feedback you guys gave me!

 

same here normally shift at 3000rpm

 

By the way, exequiel, re-reading your posts, I noticed you mentioned that these cars need 91 octane which makes you think these engines are supposed to be run at higher rpm's. I just wanted to let you know this is not true, the minimum octane level has nothing to do with how high we run our cars. It has to do with the way our engines were designed with a higher compression ratio which requires a minimum of 91 octane in order to avoid detonation/ knocking in our cars. That being said, there are many people who run regular gas in their 2.8L without a problem, this is because our ECU's + the knock sensor compensate for lower octane gas by advancing/ retarding our engine's timing. I think it is more important on your car being a 1.8T, but then I have never owned a turbo car before. Maybe some of our other members can chime in...

 

It's more important for turbo cars simply cause they tend to run richer due to the forced induction, at least most of em do unless you de-tune them for mileage sake. Plus i just think if the engineer's designed it to run on 91+ why put in less, you'll sacrifice power, and engine life for a few extra bucks each fill up.