Comments on: How to Increase Gas Mileage

on 8/8/2006 I have been told by countless mechanics and tire experts that running your tires 2-3 lbs above what is recommended for your car (on that little placard inside your door) helps to reduce heat and improve handling, The inflation values that car manufacturers post is way too conservative. The fastest way to get LESS gas mileage and increase your chances for a tire failure is to underinflate your tires.

on 7/13/2006 If you want to really save big money, just buy a diesel. Newer Volkswagen TDIs get an estimated 35 MPG in the city and 40+ MPG on the highway. Some of the older ones do even better than that. You'll never have to change a spark plug again either. Plus, the engine will last longer.

Volkswagen and Mercedes diesels have had over two million miles put on them and they're probably working on three million. A diesel might be a little more expensive to buy, but you'll see the savings soon enough. Once you go diesel, you'll never go back.

on 6/30/2006 A previous tip was posted claiming that driving with a low fuel level in the tank will not harm your car. This is not true. I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am that went through three fuel pumps in a one year period, before the mechanic at the Pontiac garage told me to never let the fuel level drop below 1/4 tank. The fuel pump on this car was cooled by the fuel around it and running it next to "E" causes it to work at a much higher operating temperature, thus shortening the life of the pump. We now keep at least 1/4 tank of gas at all times and have had no trouble in three years.

on 6/30/2006 The vast majority of gasoline is consumed in daily commutes to and from work, school, shopping, etc. These miles are on urban and suburban roads with lights, stop signs, cross traffic and the like.

It is in these driving situations where the greatest amount of gas is wasted. Notice I didn't say consumed but wasted. In several areas of my town, you can be waiting for one traffic light and actually see the next signal.

What possible good does it do to speed away from the light only to be stopped at the next? I have seen people actually accelerating toward a light after it turned red. When I take my foot off the gas due to a red light up ahead, most cars zoom around me. Why?

Why aren't they looking ahead? Why are they following each other so close to block out their view of what traffic is doing ahead?

Most people would characterize me as a slow poke as I build speed very slowly. This is where I am passed regularly. None of those drivers notice however, that I often pass them. Yes, I might go slightly more than the speed limit once I get to speed, but keeping my eyes on the road ahead allows me adjust my speed accordingly.

Much of the same idea can be applied to highway driving. What possible good does it do to catch up to a truck which is gradually overtaking another truck? Wouldn't it be better to see that truck and anticipate his actions. From a vantage point of up to 1/2 mile on a highway, it is easy to adjust your speed to pass both trucks after one has passed the other.

I drive a car with estimated mpg of 18 local, 26 highway, yet in my local drive and local sales trips in urban/suburban areas, I average 24 MPG. I believe most people who think they are good drivers could realize at least a 10% improvement.

Think of it. That's like lowering the price of gas from $3.00 to $2.70. If the greater part of the country's drivers decreased consumption, what affect would it have on the price of gas? What affect would it have on the economy?

on 6/30/2006 Some people say this doesn't work, but the numbers don't lie. When I divide actual gallons I put in my tank by miles driven, I consistently get 3-4 mpg better when I fill up around half a tank rather than waiting till empty.

on 6/30/2006 It has been shown in wind/water tunnels and on the Discover Channel show MythBusters that driving with the tail gate down lowers your gas mileage. With your tail gate up, you create a cushion of air in the bed, this allows the air to flow over the tail gate and not create more resistance. With the tail gate down, you allow a vortex to build up behind the cab, this creates drag and actually lowers your gas mileage.

on 3/29/2006 Basically, the vehicle (when properly maintained and tuned) isn't the main variable with maximizing fuel mileage. The largest area needing improvement I see everyday is individuals driving habits. Drive gently (fuel, engine, tires, clutch, brakes, transmission, bushings, etc.), everything will last longer including money remaining in your hip pocket. Life in the fast lane is for the birds, (slow down, enjoy the ride).

on 3/28/2006 Buy a motorcycle. My 250 gets around 75 miles to the gallon, a larger 600 will only get about 50 if you drive too fast.

on 3/15/2006 The tips suggesting the use of cruise control are not necessarily correct. I used to drive as part of my job and the gas money came out of my pocket, so finding things that really worked was in my best interest.

The things that worked best (most effective first):
- Drive slower; reducing your cruising speed by just 5mph can have a profound impact on your mpg
- Do not use the cruise control on anything other than flat roads; obviously, this takes more effort, but it works. Control the throttle to get a little more speed on a downhill and don't try to maintain 100% desired speed on the uphill. Use the downhills to your advantage (don't just coast down like some say, unless you're on a downhill route).
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- E10 gas (even at a higher octane) can actually reduce gas mileage; avoid it if mpg is important.
- Keep the air filter clean and use synthetic oils (only slightly effective in increasing mpg, but it does seem to help slightly).

on 2/8/2006 Running a vehicle at less than half of a tank, while reducing weight, can cause serious problems with a vehicle's fuel system. The impurities in gasoline settle in the tank of all cars. Running your car at lower fuel levels just clogs the filter faster and gums up the injectors. In addition it causes wear on the fuel pump. So it is a bad practice to get into.

on 11/22/2005 The best increased gas mileage tactic is actually your own driving style. Do you often brake inconsistently and then speed up? How well do you pick up your speed at the traffic stops? Do you often rev up incorrectly when you change gears?

These aspects are crucial before you delve into other methods. Always strive to step on the pedals lightly and gradually, and avoid jack rabbit start.

on 11/22/2005 Install a vacuum gage. Drive keeping the gage at maximum level.

on 11/22/2005 Change your air filter every time you change your oil. It works for me.

on 11/22/2005 Anyone who believes that pumping gas when it's colder obviously doesn't know that the gas is stored underground where the temperature is 50 degrees in the summer, winter, at night and in the middle of the day.

If you want to save on gas, buy softer tires (like the ones that come on a brand new vehicle). Car manufacturers put softer tires on new vehicles so they get better mileage, that way they can brag about it. Softer tires = less friction = better mileage.

on 11/22/2005 Heres a couple of things that will greatly increase the fuel economy of any vehicle.
1) if possible, install a fuel cooler. (it's like a mini-radiator but for fuel). True, gas is more dense when its cool, so the more you can keep it cool, the better.
2) Install a cool air filter.
3) Remove as much weight as possible from the vehicle.
4) Install the largest rims and tires you can fit in the wheel wells. Make sure they're made of something light weight; like aluminum. Increase tire diameter + light weight wheels and tires = greater travel distance + better gas mileage.
5) Run higher octane gasoline such as 89 or 93. Higher octane fuel burns slower than lower octane, thus saving gas.