Hi, what is the best way to save gas (so indirectly money) tips? advice?

Question

I did everything mentioned at Cargens.com and got a crazy response, I guess now Im just a bit obsessed with not using a drop of gas, not possible ofcourse, but a good habbit. any additional tips? (other than walking- hehe)

Answer 1

Here are some things I do to get 36 Highway out of my Toyota Corolla CE.

1. Plan ahead; combine several short trips in order to minimize cold engine starts.

2. Accelerate at a moderate pace.

3. Monitor highway speed. Fuel economy suffers at speeds higher than about 65 mph and drops significantly above 70 mph.

4. Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure.

5. Don't carry unnecessary loads. Excess weight reduces fuel economy.

6. Use the air conditioner and defroster only as needed; both reduce fuel economy.

thats what I do. These tips generally work for every car. So try a combination and then compare the results.

Answer 2

If you have not already, switch to a 5w 30 100% synthetic engine oil. Mobil 1, Quaker State, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Amzoil and many others. It flows more freely at low temperatures than conventional oils. Has a higher flash point and reduces friction. It also cools the internal engine parts better because it flows back into the pan faster and light thin oil adsorbs heat more efficiently than heavier (thicker) motor oils. If your tires say 44 max. lbs. of pressure go to at least 40 pounds. Forget what's posted on the drivers door. This ridicules pressure is posted to give the average Joe a soft spongy ride. The Yokohama Company told me ( I made a call to confirm this) that it's perfectly OK to use this pressure. Keep an eye on tire wear, measure often. You'll find the shoulders wear much less, but depending on your rim width ( less than 6.5 inches) with low profile tires you may experience wear in the center. Use an air filter that has less resistance to air flow. If you have a Toyota they can order one for you. If not get your hands on a K&N Filter.

Answer 3

Follow the advise of the other people who answered your question and also do the following: Change to synthetic oils. This means in the engine, transmission, and rear end. I am obsessed with increasing my mileage and have done everything listed and get 37-39 MPG in the city and 41-48 MPG on the highway with a 5 speed Toyota Echo. You have to drive like there in a egg on your gas pedal and when you get used to that your mileage will increase. Good Luck!

Answer 4

First things first, DO NOT ADD ANYTHING TO YOUR GAS TANK!!! These are called "snake oil" There is actually a "pill" being sold that supposedly increases gas mileage...the guy that I know who does it...has his car brought into the local Toyota dealership (were I used to work) about once every two months...for a new fuel filter..his keep getting clogged...plus that pill doesn't do a thing.

There is nothing you can ADD to your fuel or fuel system that will improve gas mileage...consumer reports AND mythbusters tested everything from those magnets you put on your fuel lines to metal things you put into the air intake tubing to alternative liquid fuel additives...nothing worked, everything hindered.

What you can do to improve is SUBTRACT from your car. Let me explain...cleaning carbon deposits from your valves (top engine clean) and cleaning your fuel injectors every 30k is a preventative measure to maintain fuel mileage. If you've never done it...it won't hurt to start.

Now if you wanna go extreme...you can also save on gas by reducing the weight your car tugs around...gut the interior to almost nothing...and don't drive with friends...that's over 100 Ibs your car now has to lug in addition to it own weight and also your weight too...I have actually seen folks do this though...and it works a little...but...I don't recommend it ;)

Keep dirt from your air filter...a dirty air filter means poor economy (gas mileage). If you get an air filter such as K&N, you will begin to develop a new problem. Some cars have an sensor that ALWAYS gets clogged as a result of the oil...whether you have the right amount or not, the oil still builds up. On Toyota's this is really bad, this sensor directly effects fuel, it's an air-flow meter. It gets clogged and will make your car sputter and dump fuel at times. It is not cheap to replace. These types of filters (ones with oil) are no good, use a regular one and keep it clean.

Do your oil changes regularly, every 3-4000 miles is acceptable, you do NOT have to change before 3000 miles or RIGHT ON 3000 miles. An independent study found that most non-synthetic motor oils do not begin to degrade enough to warrant an IMMEDIATE oil change at 3k...one of the testers speculated you could go beyond 4000 miles but due to differences in peoples driving styles and environments he suggested 4000.

However, be aware that Toyota once used Penzoil motor oil, this motor oil sludges very easily and it should be changed no later than 3000 if you insist on using it. Toyota uses Castrol motor oil, which is known for it's anti-sludge abilities. Sludge is when oil turns into what looks and feels like chocolate pudding...do you think pudding flows well? No...eventually it will then burn and make a hard coating...it clogs up things...the repair on this problem, is VERY expensive...very...and VERY time consuming...and a pain...oh my gosh it's a pain!

Synthetic oils will reduce friction a little. Be aware that you will notice pre-existing leaks more if you switch over to synthetic. Synthetic oil does NOT create leaks, it has smaller molecules and is non-organic, and this is how it is able to work better, they also tend to clean your engines internals quit well too...mostly...but since the molecules are smaller, they will seep out of those existing leaks you already have.

ALWAYS change the oil filter WITH EVERY oil change. A dirty mop can't clean a floor...same with dirty oil filter. Sure you could get buy with every other oil change, but why would you?

Keeping the engine and mechanical parts is a big factor, but here is something that you may not know...tire pressure is one of the biggest factors in fuel mileage. Keep your tires aired to proper pressures (there should be a sticker on the driver or passenger door jam).

But by far the biggest factor, acceleration. Any time you accelerate you are sucking down the gas. I drive a 93 honda accord with 177000 miles. Normal driving (not that easy mind you, I have a lead foot and a need for speed) I get about 28mpg. When I take long trips on flat roads were I maintain a steady speed of 70 (sometimes even 90 believe it or not) I get 32...one time I tried to stay at 90 and I calculated 36mpg...I've done that twice so I have to believe the numbers...but...I don't recommend that...tickets make the money you save on gas not worth it :D

What is interesting is that speed also is a factor. When Mythbusters tested fuel savers, they found that at 35 mpg their cars were only getting 17-18 mpg (one was a big body car with a carburetor, the other, a 98 toyota corolla 4cyl) At 55 mph the cars were getting well over 10mpg more! Granted this was on a dyno...there was no wind resistance...but from my own experience with my car, this holds true on the road as well.

Some cars get better gas mileage at higher speeds (sustained) than slower speeds (sustained)

Either way, good mechanical condition, tire pressure, but by far your driving style will all effect fuel economy. But do NOT add anything to your car, it will NOT work.

Answer 5

well first make sure your car is in great mechanical shape - keep your oil clean (change it every 3 to 4k miles), keep your air filter clean, get good spark plugs (better spark equals better ignition of the gas so less gas is wasted), make sure your coolant is in good condition and make sure your tires are aired up to specs. next change your driving style - drive slower at highway speeds and use your cruise control as much as possible, if no cruise try to maintain speed - dont slow down then speed up, take off from stops at a sensible rate, the best way to get great mpg while driving is steadiness.

Answer 6

well try to avoid stops and if you stop never push the pedal to hard that makes a quick start and thats were u usse too much gas another one is if you go over 45mph just role your windows up so the incoming air won't go inside and it will force the car more so if u want a smother run just role your windows up...

Answer 7

drive slowly. avoid too much traffic, don't revved up too much, avoid jack rabbitting, all in all just put some common sense in car usage and be practical sometimes of not using c\the car especially in city driving if public transportation is available use it.