Gas mileage tips

[lovemyraffe]

With recent developments in my life, I have found myself driving much more. What do you do for better gas mileage? Any tips or mods are welcomed.Thanks

[Lysander]

What kind of driving do you do? General rules involve:Get in and drive, don't warm it upUse the brake and gas as little as possible, treat them like stepping on baby birdsPlan your routeDrive slower, don't be in a hurryKeep the RPMs as low as you canIncrease tire pressure a few PSI over the recommended valueGet rid of that luggage rack, aerodynamics are important for hwy mileageEdit; Buy gasoline with no ethanol if you can!

[vibe11]

u have to let it warm up even if its just a little, otherwise all that oil is just sitting there at the bottom of the oil pan, not lubing any parts!!!

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by Lysander »...Use the brake and gas as little as possible, treat them like stepping on baby birds...Great Tip Even better anaolgyROFL!!!!

[vibolista]

Read up on all the Hypermile techniques. Some of those techniques work well to stretch fuel economy... but should only be used when it's safe to do so. Make sure you take everything out of your car that you don't have to use. Lugging any extra weight around uses more gasoline. Check that your air filter is clean, spark plugs are in good shape and that they are properly gapped. Good wheel alighnment is also quite important. What has you driving so much more?

[Lysander]

Quote, originally posted by vibe11 »u have to let it warm up even if its just a little, otherwise all that oil is just sitting there at the bottom of the oil pan, not lubing any parts!!!Not really. Oil pumps are positive displacement in nature and the oil is flowing within seconds of turning the key. Believe me, if it didn't you'd hear all kind of clattering from your valvetrain when you first start her up! I wouldn't go full throttle or high RPMs until engine temperatures reach normal levels, but there is no penalty to starting your car and driving it a few seconds later. There is some argument for the point that engines last longer at operating temperature, and since temps come up faster while driving than while idling you should get out and drive immediately to enhance longevity.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by vibe11 »u have to let it warm up even if its just a little, otherwise all that oil is just sitting there at the bottom of the oil pan, not lubing any parts!!!Tomorrow morning, have someone start your car for you, while you watch with the oil cap off.... see how long it takes.... only a few seconds as Lysander stated.... With that, I still let the car warm for at least a minute..

[Lysander]

Watching the oil pressure gauges in cars I own that are so equipped, I see full idle oil pressure in less than two seconds in every single one of them

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »What has you driving so much more? I got a new job. It is about 60 miles each way.

[Tubaryan12]

Tips for higher gas mileage:Avoid AC and defrost when you can.Don't carry any extra stuff in the car.Drive the posted speed limit. In most cases for me, no more than 65 mph.Keep at least 2 car lengths between you and the person in front of you. This will help in reducing the amount of braking you do.Avoid drive through lines ( you get zero miles per gallon there ).Try to travel when the traffic is light.Shut the car off when waiting (ex. outside the store, trains, driveways, etc.)With just these tips, I have a combined mpg of over 33 mpg for the past 2 years.

[vibolista]

What kind of driving involved in your new long commute? Interstate/ back roads/ city/ combination? Do you keep your roof rack accessories on all the time? Taking what you can off will help if you drive at speeds over 45 mph. Or, you can install a Yakima air deflector. I tried a Thule deflector and it made a huge difference on my old wagon. Nasty wind noise went away and mpg went up a couple of miles per gallon on road trips. Both results were way better than I expected.

[mikey123]

Quote, originally posted by Lysander »Increase tire pressure a few PSI over the recommended valueI'm not sure if it is a good idea to have the tire pressures over the recommended limit. Keeping them to the correct pressure is a good thing though. I definitely wouldn't over-inflate in an AWD - could have negative impact on the drive train. Otherwise, good suggestions.

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »What kind of driving involved in your new long commute? Interstate/ back roads/ city/ combination? Do you keep your roof rack accessories on all the time? Taking what you can off will help if you drive at speeds over 45 mph. Or, you can install a Yakima air deflector. I tried a Thule deflector and it made a huge difference on my old wagon. Nasty wind noise went away and mpg went up a couple of miles per gallon on road trips. Both results were way better than I expected. Out of 60 miles, 50 or so is interstate. I do have the Yakima fairing on when the rack is on. I wouldn't use it any other way. There is a significant difference when you use it.