How to improve gas mileage?
How to improve gas mileage?
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus. It gets around 25 mpg last time I checked. I drive about 75 miles to the city once or twice a month to visit family. How can I improve my gas mileage without shelling out a lot of money?
Best answer:
Answer by Lover not a Fighter
There are 4 most important maintenance items in your engine and tranny (the most expensive parts of the car).
(1) engine oil (3k - 5K miles)
(2) tranny oil (30K miles)
(3) coolant (3 years)
(4) timing belt (60K miles)
Just keep those maintenance and your engine and tranny will be problem free.
Good maintenance pays off.
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There are few thing you can do to save (or maximize) gas MPG. First get a tune-up.
(1) spark plugs
(2) spark plug wires
(3) distributors, coil, rotors (if you have them).
(4) new air filter
(5) PCV
(6) correct tire pressure
(7) clear the trunk of useless heavy items
(8) spray clean MAF sensor.
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Forget all those “SAVE GAS” scams. This was on NBC morning TV show. The difference is as much as 38% (their claim). There are very simple rules to save gas:
(1) drive slow - not too much past 55
(2) accelerate slowly
(3) don’t brake unnecessarily
(4) use cruise control - whenever it is safe to do so.
Don’t coast - it is NOT safe (to coast in Nuetral) and it does NOT save gas. It only saves gas, if you are planning to slow down (exiting, tolls, traffic). Coasting then accelerating again is LESS efficient than just cruising.
The above really works. Using those simple rules I was able to drive from Boston to NYC (210.5 miles) on just 5.112 gallon (94 Civic). That’s 41 MPG (94 Civic 187K miles). Actually I was speeding at 72 MPH so I could do even better at 55.
WOW !!
Good Luck…
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A few basic things can be done.
1.) Make sure your air filter is clean and free of dust, dirt, and grit. Replace every 15,000 miles or when necessary. If you have a few extra bucks, you should buy a K&N filter. It will improve performance and mileage, never has to be replaced, and goes 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed. Also, since K&N is cotton and regular air filters are made from paper, it could help conserve resources.
2.) Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the specified amount in your manual. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, thus requiring more effort on the engine’s part. Under-inflation also increases the risk of a blowout. Also, shed unnecessary weight if you have a lot of junk.
3.) Air conditioning should be used during highway driving, since driving with the windows open at highway speeds increases drag, thus decreasing mileage. If you are driving on the streets, shut off the A/C and open your windows if the heat is bearable.
4.) Change your oil every 3000 miles, and transmission fluid every 50,000. Old oil becomes thick and makes the moving parts work harder, and it places more wear on the engine. Make sure that your spark plugs are properly gapped.
5.) Unless necessary, be easy on the throttle and refrain from jack-rabbit starts. Also, as the guy before me said, do NOT coast in Neutral unless you are stopping completely, mainly for the reason that if you shift back into Drive while still in motion, you can damage the transaxle.
6.) Avoid extensive idling. If you are going to be stopped for more than 2 minutes, shut the engine off. Also, don’t use those fuel additives that promise better mileage. They don’t work.
7.) Lastly, only use the recommended fuel for your car. If it is made for 87 octane (regular), only use that and don’t get it used to higher grades. Silver and premium are meant for high-performance engines, and it could make your engine run a little hotter.