Summer gas mileage tune up ideas

[explorer4x493]

Well as everyone knows, gas prices are on the rise and are already hurting our pockets. Well let's post some ideas to help get the most out of the fuel that we put into our vehicles.

Whether it be additives, cleaning internal/ external parts, or buying something new...

Let's get going while we still have a chance this summer!

I can think of a couple off of the top of my head: run the A/C less, keep tires inflated to regular psi, new air filter/ clean air filter (for K&N)...

 

[explorer4x493]

43 views and no one has any ideas.......hmm

 

[DMan446]

Well the basics are the best start if no one has done these in a while...

Like changing the fuel filter, or plugs and wires. Change the air filter. Run some injector cleaner through it. A lighter weight oil.

Or try lightening the load (weight reduction) Take miscellanious crap that you dont use on a regular basis out. Like that 500lb toolbox in the back that you rarely use anything but a screwdriver out of.

Just simple stuff, be creative....

DMan446

Another good idea is to check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires help mileage...

 

[Alec]

drive less

Seriously, driving style is the main thing. A close second is good maintenance. Third is weight reduction.

 

[Robb]

I can think of a couple off of the top of my head: run the A/C less,

This isn't always true, and is a debatable subject. SUVs with the windows open can often create enough drag on the vehicle to be less fuel efficient than driving with the A/C on and windows up. I often cut the A/C off when taking off from a light, or merging onto the interstate, but that is just me. Any time other than that, if the weather calls for A/C, I use the A/C.

Other than basic maintenance (plugs, wires, O2s, air and fuel filters), being easy on the skinny pedal is the best thing you can do. Organizing your trips so that you can get more accomplished with less driving helps a lot also.

 

[DMan446]

Another thing I noticed is that on newer model cars and trucks, the stupid ac compresser intermittenly runs if you are using the air or not. SO I just unplugged the pressure switch on the back of the compressor-dissabling it from engaging the ac clutch. got a few more MPG that way.

It mainly does this for cold climate times, it make the windows de-fog really fast, but unplugged it takes several minutes longer to de-fog.