Illum
Flashaholic
This is true if you are on the highway, but even then I'm somewhat pessimistic in following a lorrie that close.
MY TIPS - to INCREASE your GAS MILAGE
- Thread starter TooManyGizmos
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This is true if you are on the highway, but even then I'm somewhat pessimistic in following a lorrie that close.
StarHalo
Flashaholic
You can start to see the difference in the MPG meter from several car lengths away, it's pretty impressive how big a hole those trailers punch in the air.
Speaking of bump drafting, a fun story: Back when the first-generation Honda Insight was introduced, they lent a copy to each of the major car magazines and set up a contest; Drive from Columbus to Detroit, most MPG wins. Car and Driver got creative and rigged the back end of a Chevy Suburban with giant RV mudflaps and bungee cords to hold the rear liftgate and swing doors open - driving down the highway with the Insight tucked snugly into this vacuum, the normally 70 MPG Honda averaged 121.7 MPG
oo:
There are times when you need both low-end torque, as well as horsepower. My first car was a Ford Escort. I actually liked it a lot. Very economical. Just two major issues with it. One, the driver's seat would become very uncomfortable if you sat in it for two hours or longer. Two, there were times when I was white-knuckling it down the entrance to the expressway. Never again. Something very economical, such as a KIA Rio; just not for everyone.
NonSenCe
Flashlight Enthusiast
veering far offtopic.. sorry:
about escorts.. i could not ever get my leg comfortable on the gas pedal. there was no support for it. so i had to take off road every 150miles just to stretch my legs because of that alone. that on top of the crappy seats with short bench and no side support, and the wrong angle steering column.. did you notice that at all. (all i have driven had the steering wheel in slight angle, not aimed at the driver dead on. and many had the gear box also in angle. the gears didnt go straight foward and back but few degrees to right side) 1st gear was too short to be useful as it run out too fast, basically just to get the car rolling, and engines (1.3 and 1.4) were too powerless to use the second gear to start moving. i hated them all. (none of them were mine, but my grandad, my dad and my sister has had 4 of them that i drove alot too, best was my dads 1.6l ofcourse. not counting the 1.8 and hopped up versions with turbos my friends had) but like said.. hated the escorts as driving experience.. but except one particular car they all worked fine and did what a car needs to do. move, stop and turn.
there is always a need for little bit of more power, but that can can somwhow compensated by smart driving by the perseon behind the wheel. to see into the future. know that your cars acceleration is like molasses mixed with bungee cord you learn to prepare to it. you dont try to make it into tight spots at all if you are not used to be able to go there. jumping from powerful car into no-go version will be difficult. one gets used to the performance.
i have been actually waiting for the manufacturers to start installing NOS systems into the small cars for that small short need for more power (overtaking or something like that), thats what they are doing with hybrids (when one needs more power both engines run), they have tried that with "overboost" functions in turbo cars (few seconds of more power available, not available for all the time but just for while). or some aftermarket company starts promoting 10-20hp nos boost for econoboxes alone.. dealer installed and factory warranty stays kind of deal. economy when one needs it, instant boost of power for seconds if you really need it, and then back to the shop to refill the bottle when needed. (easy revenue to the dealer, refilling the bottles.)
this might be viable solution to power needs vs economy, because seriously if one knows how to participate the need of power and learn to drive with slow car they dont need the extra power that often. i would imagine hardly anyone really drives their cars daily so that they are always at peak power when shifting. (those that do, they drive too agressively and they often already have a powerful car in their use.. most commuters dont ever see more than 3000rpm if they drive normally and smoothly, i know i dont) and this way a 20hp for 10seconds boost from nitrous oxide bottle would last a long time. if i recall right, 10lbs bottle of nos, lasts about 7-9 times of 100hp shot before running low.. so that would likely make it roughly 35-40 of 20hp shots available to eco friendly motor. plus with these new fancy computer injection electric computer-stuff the engine should be easy to compensate for the nos blast so it wont detonate etc when you press the boost buttons in the steering wheel. (yeah 2 hands operation needed so you do it intentionally and have a good hold of the steering wheel when you will experience the power pull! hahah.)
---
on topic.. ermmm.. lower mileage. dont go looking for a deal for low gas price.. likely you will burn the "winnings of few cents" while driving to find the station. if you KNOW some place sells fuel for less.. think if you need to go near there for other business or is it cheaper to use the nearest station after all. minimize the extra driving.
and again.. ooofff tooopic..
about diesels, i have learned that diesel injector cleaners (like LiquiMoly diesel purge) they are basically just kerosene. (the kind we use in storm lanterns etc over here) - i add a drop of 2stroke engine oil for safety measure to my kerosene treatment (3parts kerosene 1 part diesel) if i connect the bottle directly into the diesel pump end.. it will likely work without the diesel part but i like to play safer.
and i think gas engine injector cleaners have kerosene, turpentine(of sorts) and bit of octane booster.
and many oil purge/passage cleaners are also kerosene based.
about escorts.. i could not ever get my leg comfortable on the gas pedal. there was no support for it. so i had to take off road every 150miles just to stretch my legs because of that alone. that on top of the crappy seats with short bench and no side support, and the wrong angle steering column.. did you notice that at all. (all i have driven had the steering wheel in slight angle, not aimed at the driver dead on. and many had the gear box also in angle. the gears didnt go straight foward and back but few degrees to right side) 1st gear was too short to be useful as it run out too fast, basically just to get the car rolling, and engines (1.3 and 1.4) were too powerless to use the second gear to start moving. i hated them all. (none of them were mine, but my grandad, my dad and my sister has had 4 of them that i drove alot too, best was my dads 1.6l ofcourse. not counting the 1.8 and hopped up versions with turbos my friends had) but like said.. hated the escorts as driving experience.. but except one particular car they all worked fine and did what a car needs to do. move, stop and turn.
there is always a need for little bit of more power, but that can can somwhow compensated by smart driving by the perseon behind the wheel. to see into the future. know that your cars acceleration is like molasses mixed with bungee cord you learn to prepare to it. you dont try to make it into tight spots at all if you are not used to be able to go there. jumping from powerful car into no-go version will be difficult. one gets used to the performance.
i have been actually waiting for the manufacturers to start installing NOS systems into the small cars for that small short need for more power (overtaking or something like that), thats what they are doing with hybrids (when one needs more power both engines run), they have tried that with "overboost" functions in turbo cars (few seconds of more power available, not available for all the time but just for while). or some aftermarket company starts promoting 10-20hp nos boost for econoboxes alone.. dealer installed and factory warranty stays kind of deal. economy when one needs it, instant boost of power for seconds if you really need it, and then back to the shop to refill the bottle when needed. (easy revenue to the dealer, refilling the bottles.)
this might be viable solution to power needs vs economy, because seriously if one knows how to participate the need of power and learn to drive with slow car they dont need the extra power that often. i would imagine hardly anyone really drives their cars daily so that they are always at peak power when shifting. (those that do, they drive too agressively and they often already have a powerful car in their use.. most commuters dont ever see more than 3000rpm if they drive normally and smoothly, i know i dont) and this way a 20hp for 10seconds boost from nitrous oxide bottle would last a long time. if i recall right, 10lbs bottle of nos, lasts about 7-9 times of 100hp shot before running low.. so that would likely make it roughly 35-40 of 20hp shots available to eco friendly motor. plus with these new fancy computer injection electric computer-stuff the engine should be easy to compensate for the nos blast so it wont detonate etc when you press the boost buttons in the steering wheel. (yeah 2 hands operation needed so you do it intentionally and have a good hold of the steering wheel when you will experience the power pull! hahah.)
---
on topic.. ermmm.. lower mileage. dont go looking for a deal for low gas price.. likely you will burn the "winnings of few cents" while driving to find the station. if you KNOW some place sells fuel for less.. think if you need to go near there for other business or is it cheaper to use the nearest station after all. minimize the extra driving.
and again.. ooofff tooopic..
about diesels, i have learned that diesel injector cleaners (like LiquiMoly diesel purge) they are basically just kerosene. (the kind we use in storm lanterns etc over here) - i add a drop of 2stroke engine oil for safety measure to my kerosene treatment (3parts kerosene 1 part diesel) if i connect the bottle directly into the diesel pump end.. it will likely work without the diesel part but i like to play safer.
and i think gas engine injector cleaners have kerosene, turpentine(of sorts) and bit of octane booster.
and many oil purge/passage cleaners are also kerosene based.
Your car is at its most fuel efficient at the point where the last gear just kicked in - that is, if you accelerate slowly enough for it to engage sooner rather than later to give you extra power.
Keep your speed as steady as possible.
Cruise control is only fuel efficient on flat surfaces or constant inclines: by trying to keep your speed steady, it uses up a whole lot of gas to get over a hill and then tries to slow the car when going down the other side. Disengage the cruise, and keep your foot steady on the pedal. Yes, you will slow down uphill but then regain your speed when going down.
Keep the exterior of you car clean - it reduces drag.
Buy good tires (good idea about checking rolling distance in reviews) and get your car properly aligned (front AND rear wheels, too many places only check the front alignment). This will save friction, drag and tire life.
And my extreme tip:
If you can't take anything more out of your car, lose weight yourself. One way to accomplish this while saving a whopping 100% on MPG is to get around on your bicycle. The lazy way to do this is to leave your 4D EDC flashlight at home with your 10$ in pocket change and ask your girlfriend to meet you at the restaurant.
Cheaper gas is often just that: cheap gas. Check your mileage and see which gas station gives you the best MPG for your dollar.
Keep your speed as steady as possible.
Cruise control is only fuel efficient on flat surfaces or constant inclines: by trying to keep your speed steady, it uses up a whole lot of gas to get over a hill and then tries to slow the car when going down the other side. Disengage the cruise, and keep your foot steady on the pedal. Yes, you will slow down uphill but then regain your speed when going down.
Keep the exterior of you car clean - it reduces drag.
Buy good tires (good idea about checking rolling distance in reviews) and get your car properly aligned (front AND rear wheels, too many places only check the front alignment). This will save friction, drag and tire life.
And my extreme tip:
If you can't take anything more out of your car, lose weight yourself. One way to accomplish this while saving a whopping 100% on MPG is to get around on your bicycle. The lazy way to do this is to leave your 4D EDC flashlight at home with your 10$ in pocket change and ask your girlfriend to meet you at the restaurant.
Cheaper gas is often just that: cheap gas. Check your mileage and see which gas station gives you the best MPG for your dollar.
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+
One great way to save a ton of gas is a good old moped.
We have two '02 Honda Metropolitans w/ nearly 18K miles on each of them! {these are 4-stroke}
They are an absolute blast to ride and do odds and ends on.
(you can easily get a couple of bags of groceries under the seat)
They are super simple to work on & maintain
With the throttle fully wide open, they still get around 75MPG
They top out at about 40mph, but that's a fun 40
>>>> I'v saved over 1500 gallons gas @ $4/gal. over the last 10 years,,, if I was to use my 4L Grand Cherokee for those miles.
One great way to save a ton of gas is a good old moped.
We have two '02 Honda Metropolitans w/ nearly 18K miles on each of them!
{these are 4-stroke}They are an absolute blast to ride and do odds and ends on.
(you can easily get a couple of bags of groceries under the seat)
They are super simple to work on & maintain
With the throttle fully wide open, they still get around 75MPG
They top out at about 40mph, but that's a fun 40
>>>> I'v saved over 1500 gallons gas @ $4/gal. over the last 10 years,,, if I was to use my 4L Grand Cherokee for those miles.
@ NonSenCe -
My Escort was a 1998 model. Thankfully by then, Ford was using the excellent Mazda Protege but with different styling and Ford badges. Makes sense that one of the most reliable-rated Fords of all time was actually a Mazda under the skin. I had no issues with angles. I was impressed with Mazda enough that my current vehicle is a V6 Mazda6. One of the most comfortable driver's seats out there. Even recognized for that by the major car publications.
Driving smart is always a good idea. Unfortunately, we share the road with a ton of idiots. I've used the power of my V6 engine countless times to accelerate quickly away from a potential accident because some idiot was either chatting away on their cellphone or was, basically, just an oblivious idiot. When it comes to driving, you can do everything right; and still end up in an accident.
@ Cataract -
I recently had to have my car's fuel system flushed out. Three year-old car. The culprit? Yup, I had been filling up consistently with cheap off-brand gas. Turns out those additives the major brands mix in really does make a difference. I no longer use that off-brand gas station. In the end, the few bucks I saved just wasn't worth it.
My Escort was a 1998 model. Thankfully by then, Ford was using the excellent Mazda Protege but with different styling and Ford badges. Makes sense that one of the most reliable-rated Fords of all time was actually a Mazda under the skin. I had no issues with angles. I was impressed with Mazda enough that my current vehicle is a V6 Mazda6. One of the most comfortable driver's seats out there. Even recognized for that by the major car publications.
Driving smart is always a good idea. Unfortunately, we share the road with a ton of idiots. I've used the power of my V6 engine countless times to accelerate quickly away from a potential accident because some idiot was either chatting away on their cellphone or was, basically, just an oblivious idiot. When it comes to driving, you can do everything right; and still end up in an accident.
@ Cataract -
I recently had to have my car's fuel system flushed out. Three year-old car. The culprit? Yup, I had been filling up consistently with cheap off-brand gas. Turns out those additives the major brands mix in really does make a difference. I no longer use that off-brand gas station. In the end, the few bucks I saved just wasn't worth it.
StarHalo
Flashaholic
Economy doesn't have to be slow: the new BMW 328i sedan; 0-60 in 5.6 sec, 155 mph top speed, 24 MPG city/36 MPG highway:
Are those actual numbers or projected numbers for what the car is capable of?
That's the one thing I hate about the Auto industry. They have their own version of emitter lumens vs. (actual) out the front lumens.
StarHalo
Flashaholic
An EPA projection, but bear in mind it's a four cylinder mated to a tall-geared eight speed with multiple overdrives.
Steve K
Flashlight Enthusiast
sort of like a CVT, but not quite meeting the standards of "continuous"?
As a cyclist, I fully appreciate what can be done by having a lot of potential gears available when it comes to getting the most power or efficiency out of a limited power source!
Just a 5% change in gear size is noticeable on a bike, but it does require a lot of shifting if you are really trying to optimize things. For cars, this seems like a great application for a smart automatic tranny with a "sport" and "eco" modes, and maybe a few modes in between.
Steve K.
ElectronGuru
Flashaholic
FYI for euro dudes, US diesel fuel has so much sulphur, that diesel cars (which are then seen as smelly/polluting) can be impossible to buy. Ironically, the guys who want to run on vegetable oil then have a hard time locating cars to use.
jellydonut
Enlightened
Might have been correct years ago, but this is not true.
US diesel is ultra-low-sulfur, just like in Europe.
One thing I will concede is that the price advantage is smaller, since diesel fuel is actually more expensive than gasoline. It does still work out to an overall advantage because of the lower consumption, but it is smaller than here. The extra emissions stuff the EPA forces on manufacturers also adds to cost, and the vehicles that require AdBlue also have an extra cost added.
Solution? Buy an old diesel.
Or, if you live in one of the many states with less restrictive technical controls, just remove the emissions stuff.Personally, this old 250 D serves me very well.
Jay R
Flashlight Enthusiast
Diesel cars over here in Europe are now cleaner than their pertol versions. They have filters in the exhaust that trap the particles and then vaporise them when the exhaust gets hot.
After the comment Star Haalo made about efficent cars not being available in the U.S. I had a look and I'm stunned by how true this is. Even big established car makers like Volkswagen don't bring their small cars like the Polo into the U.S. and even Chrylser don't bother to sell their Ypsilon small car in America.
After the comment Star Haalo made about efficent cars not being available in the U.S. I had a look and I'm stunned by how true this is. Even big established car makers like Volkswagen don't bring their small cars like the Polo into the U.S. and even Chrylser don't bother to sell their Ypsilon small car in America.
NonSenCe
Flashlight Enthusiast
jellydonut: neat, i have been chucking around with 300td. how many miles/kilometers in your odometer? mine just passed 530 000km (about 330 000miles). but now as diesel prices are climbing close to petrol these days over here (goverment adding taxes on top of taxes) i am thinking about changing back to "normal" car next year maybe.
diesel used to be lot cheaper per gallon than petrol. but then car companies and their cohorts started to persuade people to swap to new diesel cars that get great mileage and offer decent acceleration and torque (most new diesels sold here are with turbo) goverment looked over and chuckled when they realised people had bought tons of new cars with loanmoney.. and by now they are used to the convinience of the turbodiesel econoboxes.. people are hooked! so the goverment decided to raise the price of diesel a lot. easy money! (btw here diesel about 7.20$/gal and petrol about 1$more. in past 7 or so years that i have had a diesel car, the price of diesel has risen about 50%)
diesel used to be lot cheaper per gallon than petrol. but then car companies and their cohorts started to persuade people to swap to new diesel cars that get great mileage and offer decent acceleration and torque (most new diesels sold here are with turbo) goverment looked over and chuckled when they realised people had bought tons of new cars with loanmoney.. and by now they are used to the convinience of the turbodiesel econoboxes.. people are hooked! so the goverment decided to raise the price of diesel a lot. easy money! (btw here diesel about 7.20$/gal and petrol about 1$more. in past 7 or so years that i have had a diesel car, the price of diesel has risen about 50%)
I don't know about the situation in your country, but in germany driving a car is indirectly subsidized by the laws. Car taxes and fuel taxes are not even high enough to maintain the roads with the tax money alone, not to speak of the various other costs caused by the heavy traffic.
Yet people are complaining about the taxes (and politicians that raised them a bit years ago) all the time.
