How can I improve the gas mileage on my 02 VW Passat GLS?
I’ve got my 02 Passat up to 28.5mpg from 26.5 mpg by switching to fully synthetic oil. (It took about 4k miles before I saw the increase) I’m about to replace a slowly dying O2 sensor and get a K&N air filter. What other steps can I take to improve my mileage. 99% of my driving is off the interstate and I drive about 80 miles a day.
Tags: gls, Improve, Passat, vw passat, k n air filterRelated posts:
dont drive it
I have a 2001 Passat, and was told by the dealer that the manual transmission ones get better gas mileage than the automatics. Mine is manual, and gets about the same on the highway as yours does, so if you have an automatic, you are doing pretty well. I also use synthetic oil, but I do that to prevent engine trouble. Passats are not the world’s most reliable cars, and I was told the synthetic oil can help prevent gum-ups and/or overheating.
Keeping your tire pressure up to optimal levels also improves the gas mileage, this is true for any car. Also not driving on balding tires (traction), and making sure your wheels are aligned properly.
Shift at lower RPMS, check tire pressure, air filter and spark plugs.
stay away from the K&N filter. Oil from it can damage your MAF, expensive. Very minimal improvement.
Use premium, it is required and will increase mileage, as well as preventing damage to your engine.
I have a 03 Passat V6, get 26-28 MPG.
Some tips for help with mileage:
keep your tire pressure as high as your owners manual allows.
drive carefully. accelerate slowly.
when you see a stop (red light, etc) ahead of you, immediately take your foot off the gas and coast to the stop.
no roof rack
keep the car maintained properly.
If your owners manual says premium fuel required, use it.
on the open highway, drive as slowly as your patience allows. I found that shifting from 75 to 65 increased my mileage by 20%.
Use cruise control. Steady speed helps mileage.
Do not idle. let the car warm only for 30 seconds before driving off. If you are going to be stopped at a long light, shut the engine off.
And the biggest one: don’t drive.
YEs to K&N depsite the oil, they are amazing filters but they won’t jump your gas mileage ALOT……..fill your tires 1/2 psi over the “max” tires are made for comfort and can be filled a bit more then the max suggested……Also do the coast to a stop thing, it allows the tranny (assuming its and auto) to shift down slower rather then rapidly. If its a manual use your brakes not your engine to slow you down cause think
New cams/pistons cost > brake job cost
Also premium gas will not get you better gas mileage…….believe me or not but read here:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/consumer_tips/regular_vs_premium.html
don’t go above speed limit on the highway, actually 62MPH is the most efficient speed to do with that sort of gearing