Posted by Steven f/AZ on February 26, 2009 at 05:09:00 from (24.121.133.155):
In Reply to: Vacuum Gauges posted by 1 Dollar on February 25, 2009 at 16:51:44:
To further the discussion concerning more modern vehicles with fuel injection... I run my ScanGaugeII in my 01 Honda Accord from time to time to help my driving habits. http://scangauge.com/
I usually set the gauges to instant fuel economy, MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor, LOD (Load), and the coolant temp. I have found that while cruising on a level stretch of road, I can adjust the gas pedal to get up to 10 more miles per gallon and still maintain the same speed. I'm not really sure how this is possible, but I trust the gauge as I have checked its trip computer against my actual fuel usage several times and it is accurate.
Another way I've increased my fuel mileage with the ScanGauge is to only accelerate to 50% load - only working the engine half as hard as it could be. It takes a bit longer to get going, but is worth a couple MPG in a week of commuting to work.
One time I noticed my mileage was quite poor over a couple of tankfuls... like 5 mpg or more short of my normal efficiency. I went over the car carefully and discovered that one of the front brake calipers was stuck and dragging. Took it apart, cleaned it, and made sure the rest were loose and got my mpg back.
Some more simple mileage tricks: keep your tires properly inflated, I've found that here in AZ about every two weeks I can expect the tires to be 1 to 3 psi low. Don't carry extra weight you don't need - on long trips I take some spare parts, hoses, extra fan belt, and tools... but around town I don't need all that so I unload probably 50 lbs worth of stuff. Lighter = easier to accelerate. Don't waste too much time on the morning warm-up - modern gas engines really don't need more than a minute before you start driving, just don't go for redline or hard acceleration until it's fully warmed up. And actually, most new computer controlled vehicles will limit things to avoid damage until they are warmed up, anyway. Same deal with cool-down, just driving through town or on the highway with a gas engine doesn't work it hard enough to warrant a cooling-off period. Most modern diesels don't need much cool-down, either when not worked hard. Even after working a diesel pickup, a minute or so is plenty to cool the turbo. And the last thing I can think of right now - the best efficiency in most vehicles is obtained around 60 mph, so slowing down a bit on the freeway/interstate could save a buck here and there. I know some places it would be suicidal to drive that slow, though.
FWIW: Under ideal conditions I have attained 36.9 mpg with my 01 Honda Accord 4-cylinder, and around 27 mpg with my 97 Grand Caravan v-6...
Disclaimer: Just my opinions and experience with my limited time on earth. YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)
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