My Gas Mileage Experiment : Interesting Results!

[Z600]

I'm sure everyone's been thinking the same thing about gas prices lately: (removed)? Between crazy goings-on in the Middle East and the nasty weather, things have quickly gotten out of hand (gas prices doubled in one stinkin' year!).So, I heard on the news that slowing down helps your gas mileage. Well, that's common sense, but how much could it possibly help? Having a 100 mile round trip commute to work every day, I thought I'd give it a try and find out.For reference, I drive a 2003 base model Vibe, automatic, sporting a handsome 84,000 miles on the odometer. I usually manage around 340 miles on 11 gallons of gas (that's when my light goes off). My travel speed is usually between 65 and 75 mph on mostly open highway that's relatively flat.For one entire tank, I reduced both my takeoff speed and my top speed. My goal was to keep the engine below 2400 rpms as much as possible, which brings me to a top speed of 60 mph.The result? Instead of the usual 340 miles before the gas light, I got an amazing 412 miles! That's a difference of over 70 miles on 11 gallons! I was really surprised. Yes, it takes a little longer to get where I'm going, but at least it's an option for someone operating on a tight budget (like myself!). I'm trying it again with this tank of fuel to see if I get similar results.Just thought someone might be interested.~Z600EDIT: After zionzr2's post, I realized I should mention that I use the AC religiously, tires are properly inflated, my K&N is well-maintained, and I use Complete Fuel System cleaner every 4000 miles. Oh, and I just use standard oil, not synthetic.

[zionzr2]

I've been getting about 360-370miles before the light. mostly city driving. Highway i can easily top 400 miles before the light. other tips for your higher mileage car to get the best out of a tank. (not in any order) 1. 5w30 syth. oil2. Throttle Body Cleaning3. Air Filter replacement4. Proper tire inflation5. Reduced A/C use

[Thewhite]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »5. Reduced A/C useyou can turn that off!!! j/k, I started to turn it off a week ago and drive my window open when it's not raining. plus, I'm trying to race my engine few times insteed of all the time...

[BryanC7020]

I just bought mine, it came with a full tank but they had to drive it over from another dealership in another city about 180 miles away, I then drove it home, played it in (alot), and then drove it to work today (the odometer started at 11 and now resides on 306) and I am just above half a tank.... damn good for an AWD vibe oh, and at night, I drive with the moon roof open, mmmmm, breeze, hehe ^_^for those who want to know, it takes almost the same amount of gas to open a window because of the drag than it does to run the AC (about 5/6th's of the cost). Moonroof's however, rock!

[northvibe]

Yea i was gonna say, with the windows down it makes a lot of drag i dont have a moonroof but i really wanted one :/ but i usually just crack them 3-4 inches when on the highway and it doesnt drag as much but i didn notice that with a/c on low it used less gas than with all the windows fully down driving 180 miles.

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »I've been getting about 360-370miles before the light. mostly city driving. Highway i can easily top 400 miles before the light. other tips for your higher mileage car to get the best out of a tank. (not in any order) 1. 5w30 syth. oil2. Throttle Body Cleaning3. Air Filter replacement4. Proper tire inflation5. Reduced A/C use6. Locking Gas Cap Just ordered

[northvibe]

HAHHHA zionzr2 thats a good one17.99 for a locking gas cap?! they know how to get money dont they.

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »HAHHHA zionzr2 thats a good one17.99 for a locking gas cap?! they know how to get money dont they.AND they are SOLD OUT!!my order was cancelledthey have no idea when they will get more!!

[Kari]

I had a locking gas cap for my truck because it had a "conventional" fuel door that you opened from the outside and I'd had a problem with someone siphoning my gas...but I haven't really worried about it for the Vibe because I figured it would probably be a bit more of a challenge to get into it since it opens from the inside. Not impossible to get into, I know, but hopefully more work than it's worth to get 10 gallons or so of gas when you can get about twice as much out of the huge luxury SUV parked next door with a much easier to open fuel door...heh.Anyhow, I get really good gas mileage out of my Vibe, and I think it has a lot to do with takeoff speed more than anything. I try to keep my RPMs as low as possible, and I'm also a religious A/C user and can get 37 on the interstate even running the A/C the whole time...42 with it off and on intermittently.

[Jaycie685]

My car seems to be sucking compared to everyone else's. Lately, I've been averaging 280 miles on 10 gallons and I do a combination of city/highway driving. I rarely ever use A/C and I'm still getting sucky gas mileage!

[damronjr]

Quote, originally posted by Jaycie685 »My car seems to be sucking compared to everyone else's. Lately, I've been averaging 280 miles on 10 gallons and I do a combination of city/highway driving. I rarely ever use A/C and I'm still getting sucky gas mileage! Don't even! Somehow I manage to average 17-18mpg regularly! And now I am going to be supercharged AND using premium!