Get 50 mpg -- in your own car

[Cass]

You too can wring much more out of every gallon of gas, even if you don't go to the crazy lengths of so-called hypermilers. Here are basic steps anyone can take to get real savings.

[junehhan]

Set up for success. How a car is set up, particularly in the areas of tire pressure and engine lubrication, is critical. Gerdes recommends inflating tires to their maximum allowable pressure, a specification you'll find printed on the outside of the tire. Higher pressure means less rolling resistance, allowing you to coast a greater distance. As for synthetic oil, it breaks down more slowly than regular oil and thus promotes efficient operation of the engine for a longer period.


I am so glad that an article is finally starting to give synthetic oil the praise that it deserves. So many consumer oriented articles say nothing but BS in the form of it being too expensive and excessive for the needs of a car. I've used full synthetics since 1998, and havn't ever gone back to standard dino oil. I know that Ford requires at least a semi-synthetic now for that 5w20 viscosity that they require, and Honda should be similar.

What I do disagree with, is that statement that you should set the tire pressure all the way up to the maximum pressure rating on the sidewall. That is just stupid and ignorant as you should set the pressure at what the manufacturer requires, or you will very likely get the center wearing out too quickly in the form of uneven wearing. That greatly shortens the life of the tire. Having the replace your tires prematurely adds an entire host of problems such as disposal problems(i'll kick anyone's ass if I catch them burning their old tyres), as well as the fact that tire manufacturing is extremely resource, and oil intensive.

Then there are other issues in that you will make your tyre more susceptible to damage from road obstacles and debris, as well as that your handling will be adversely affected which could be a safety issue.

[SLedford]

When I was in my upper 20's I had a Ford Fiesta, stick shift, no A/C that was EPA listed as getting 45 MPG on the road. The best I ever got was mid to upper 30's.

Hurt my right foot right before Christmas (puncture wound) and had to call and tell my folks who were living in Florida at the time, that I would not be coming down for Christmas because I was on crutches and in too much pain to drive a stick shift.

Dad flew in one-was to Little Rock and I drove to the airport using just my left foot (very interesting with a standard). He drove back to Florida and probably stayed withing 5 MPH of 45 the entire trip. It would have driven me crazy if I wasn't in such pain.

We got well over 50 MPG, a huge increase over what I ever got. I drove back to LR (at a much higher speed) and never got more than mid-30's again.

[enmoco]

What I do disagree with, is that statement that you should set the tire pressure all the way up to the maximum pressure rating on the sidewall. That is just stupid and ignorant as you should set the pressure at what the manufacturer requires, or you will very likely get the center wearing out too quickly in the form of uneven wearing. That greatly shortens the life of the tire. Having the replace your tires prematurely adds an entire host of problems such as disposal problems(I'll kick anyone's ass if I catch them burning their old tyres), as well as the fact that tire manufacturing is extremely resource, and oil intensive.

Well put...The voice of reason often goes unheard....your analogy is correct,not to mention the dangers in braking in any road situation,dry or wet.One method not mentioned is a favorite of mine. Go like hell....buck sixty or so....then coast home. Or to the store...the limits of saving are boundless....

[junehhan]

Originally Posted by enmoco

Well put...The voice of reason often goes unheard....your analogy is correct,not to mention the dangers in braking in any road situation,dry or wet.One method not mentioned is a favorite of mine. Go like hell....buck sixty or so....then coast home. Or to the store...the limits of saving are boundless....

I like your idea of conservation the best

Now, I wonder how much it will cost to make my TBSS capable of hitting a buck sixty..........

I've been upto 135, which I believe is right where it is speed limited. I know that it was still pulling, although acceleration was starting to get slow after 120mph, which is likely due to the truck like aerodynamics. I know that some of the TBSS owners have been able to hit 154mph with a tune(these vehicles are tuned very conservatively) along with an intake and exhaust. The problem is that these guys are NUTS because the factory tires are only v-rated, which means that they are only rated for speeds upto 149mph even when inflated at the maximum air pressure.

[enmoco]

I'll kick anyone's ass if I catch them burning their old tyres

Dude..........don't bogard that Toyo,pass it......

[confined098]

good advice