Compiling a list of gas mileage tips...

[jlsparky7]

I know we have the "30 mpg quest" thread which can be very helpful. However I was bored and thought of an idea to make a new thread with a list of gas mileage tips and have it stickied for all of the things that could be trouble shot to solve common poor fuel mileage problems. This thread would not be geared towards making a explorer into a prius but rather a reference for your typical everyday problems/maintenance.

Driving Habits (Don't rev past 2,500rpm, hit the brakes the least amount safely possible, 60mph for best high fuel economy)
Tire pressure (higher pressure = better mileage, dont go over tire pressure rating)
Dragging brakes (vehicle pulls to left or right and its not alignment or wheel bearings)
Air Filter (if you have an air filter that requires oil, if over oiled the oil can get on the MAF and cause a false reading)
Fuel Filter (One bad tank of fuel can clog a fuel filter)
Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)
Idle Air Control Unit (IAC)
Oil change (Preferably Synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Change (Preferably Synthetic)
Differential Fluid Change front and rear if applicable (Preferably Synthetic)
Bad wheel bearings
Intake Leak
Exhaust Leak
Seafoam (Carbon buildup)
Spark Plugs
Spark plug Wires
Thermostat (wrong engine operating temp, 195 degrees stock)
Radiator Flush (just because the coolant under the rad cap is green doesnt mean the rest is)
Alignment
Extra weight unneeded weight
Fuel quality (Every tank of fuel and gas station is different)
Compression
02 Sensor
Clogged Fuel Injector(s)


^ Thats what ive come up with so far. Feel free to tack on, this is just a rough draft. I will edit the post and add all suggestions. Ill even add your username so you get credit for the suggestion.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A computer tune with improved shifting points for the transmission would help along with a tune for a specific octane rating. Aerodynamics is another factor. No vent visors, hood scoops, roof racks, tail wings or multiple off road lights.

 

[jlsparky7]

Sweet. Any others guys?

 

[ZNathan130]

Like Brooklyn said, aerodynamics. Take off your factory roof bars!

Intake and exhaust. Less restriction allows more efficiency.
Underdrive pulleys
Electric Fan
Aftermarket coil pack.

Basically, anything that allows the engine to operate with the least amount of resistance. For example, the electric fan takes the mechanical energy expended by turning the fan, and replaces it with an electric motor so that you don't waste power from your car motor turning that big hunk-o-metal.

 

[shmelmafinga]

I'm trying nitrogen in the tires. So far I haven't noticed an improvement in fuel economy, but the pressure definitely stays more stable throughout wide temperature changes.

 

[nitro71]

But you have to spin the alternator more to create the electricity. Law of Thermodynamics.

 

[ThePhoenix]

I had a 96 sport, and I can see taking off the roof racks as the went from side to side....but my 01 sport's roof racks go form front to back...would this style make that much a difference if I remove?

 

[celly]

Torque Monster Headers (for 2nd gen 5.0 engines).

 

[dogfriend]

I had a 96 sport, and I can see taking off the roof racks as the went from side to side....but my 01 sport's roof racks go form front to back...would this style make that much a difference if I remove?

Probably not. Its the crossbars that cause most of the drag.

 

[IZwack]

Air conditioning - dont use it, the drag from open windows is less than the drag of the compressor.

Cruise control - dont use it as it will kick down gear ratio trying to climb up hills in order to maintain speed.