Anyone improved their mpg?

[cs1992]

My Vibe has been a pretty efficient vehicle and at 4500 miles I am averaging 31mpg (sticker is 29/34). I realize that this is not much to complain about, but has anyone done anything to their car to improve their mpg? I keep the tires inflated a pound above the recommeneded level. BTW, I have an '06 base model with automatic transmission.

[1oldbanjo]

Increasing tire pressure will lower the rolling resistance of the tire - but it will also reduce the contact patch of the tire on the road as the tire flattens out a little less where it touches the pavement. A pound probably won't make much difference - but keep an eye on the tire treads to see if the tread is wearing faster in the center of the tire.Most improvements for performance will have very little positive affect on mileage. Good mileage is obtained at partial throttle settings and at reasonable acceleration rates. It only takes about 15 hp to maintain a steady 60 mph on level ground with no headwind - the rest of the horsepower in the car is in reserve for acceleration up to cruising speed and the power needed for climbing hills, etc.. The air cleaners, cold air intakes, headers, exhaust, free flow mufflers, fancy spark plugs, etc. are all real benefits at high throttle settings - but have marginal results at cruising speeds where the throttle settings are light and the flow velocity through the intake and exhaust systems are very low. Most performance chips are oriented toward performance and use richer mixtures and advanced timing for better performance and do not help improve mileage. The stock equipment on the Vibe is very capable of performing for mileage - but add on equipment can help get additional horsepower and speed - usually at the expense of some mpg when you choose to use the additonal power. The only bolt on thing I can think of that may help with mileage - might be an underdrive pulley system that would drive the belt driven accessories a little slower. My suggestions for better mileage would be to: Use the stock weight oil and do not use a thicker oil, keep unnecessary weight out of the car and don't haul around a lot of stuff if you don't need it in the car, avoid the urge to get wider tires (although a switch to a stiffer tire with a higher speed rating may offset any decrease in mileage brought on by increased width), drive at the slowest speed that will keep you from getting run over by other drivers or cause you to lose your sanity, use the AC only when necessary, and avoid hanging the flags of your favorite ball team or Nascar driver out your windows. Dave

[Ol' Timer]

Yes! Never drive UP any Mountain Passes!!! But all seriousnes aside, one of the best ways to keep your gas mileage averaging nearing 35mpg is to drive VERY conservatively. By that I mean not accelerating rapidly and driving at a steady speed. And try not exceeding 65mph (easier said than done). You would be surprised how much your mileage goes up if you stay in the right lane on the highway.

[new05vibeowner]

My 05 base automatic has 43K on it, and I average between 29-31 in combined city/highway driving. I also have the Goodyear TripleTreds, which several members claim hurt their mileage. BTW, I also drive 70-75 on the highway. I've slowed to 65 for a tank, and mileage rose to 33. A gain of two MPG is not worth the loss of 10mph to me.

[northvibe]

tire pressure, scheduled oil changes, clean air filter and try this http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=25238 its the DBW reset that people seem to be having good luck with oh yea...and keep it under 3k rpm all the time and you should get good mileage.

[NewNeptune]

Quote, originally posted by cs1992 »My Vibe has been a pretty efficient vehicle and at 4500 miles I am averaging 31mpg (sticker is 29/34). I realize that this is not much to complain about, but has anyone done anything to their car to improve their mpg? I keep the tires inflated a pound above the recommeneded level. BTW, I have an '06 base model with automatic transmission.I'd kill for 31 MPG! With oxygenated fuel, A/C running most of the time and keeping up with Phoenix traffic (70-80 MPH) I typically only get 26-28 MPG.

[Mrizzle05]

Quote, originally posted by NewNeptune »I'd kill for 31 MPG! With oxygenated fuel, A/C running most of the time and keeping up with Phoenix traffic (70-80 MPH) I typically only get 26-28 MPG.LOL... i remember wat that was like. Zooom "wait im goin 75! zooom Zooom (all the other cars flying by you)

[Atomb]

I was able to DRASTICALLY improve my mpg by riding my bike to work and actually walking to the corner store! *GASP!*oh, and i saved a bundle on my car insurance....but that's another story.

[northvibe]

oh yea my mpg went up 2 with my cai when i drive good. but i floor it everywhere so its bad again

[ke4yyd]

Leave earlier and drive slower, 55 mph or less. I get as high as 41 mpg and average 38 with AC on in Florida.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

me and mpg or L/100km- dont get alongand i'm ok with that.i get it filled and drive it til its empty.I cant be bothered to keep trackI just drive it and I'm not complaining... it's good enough for me.