Couple of tips on fue efficiency

MN · 2005-09-06T06:54:52+00:00

This is the absolute number one as it directly relates to producingforce needed to accelerrate mass.Friction issues are secondary but also very very important.Starting with good, proper octane grade, fuel in the fuel tankpreferably with some lubricant added such as Marvel MysteryOil, all below can and do significantly affect fuel economy:1. Fuel lines that are not rusted, fuel filter that is not clogged (change either).2. Fuel injectors atomizing fuel properly for better, more efficient fuel burn (injector cleaning, or replacement).3. Good spark plugs make a big difference, especially if worn out (change frequently as TOP (!) performance degrades quickly with most spark plugs).3. Engine oil of light weight, preferably synthetic for reduced engine friction, likewise change regularly.4. EGR and exhaust system working properly so excessive obstruction does not exists here.5. Similarly air delivery system, properly working Idle Air control valve, clean air filter is a must (change frequently, especially in dusty areas).6. Synthetic oil of proper weight, preferably on the light side, in all manual/auto transmissions, and particularly differentials.7. Tires properly inflated (slight bias for overinflating).8. Windows rolled up completely to reduce any drag.9. Car surface clean, heavily waxed and well polished to reduce surface friction (especially helpful on long distance higher speed trips).All the above plus proper driving technique will help reduce fuelconsumption significantly. One not recommended practice, andin fact illegal in many places, is coasting out of gear, that is inneutral. This can help save some fuel but is very, I repeat, verydangerous, and not cost effective as much more wear is put onthe brakes.Happy Subaru motoring everyone,MN

Sep 06, 2005 29 Replies

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Dave - Dave.net.nz 20 years ago

just imagine if you started taking things like spare tires, radio, back seats out, with the weight reduction you would get massive improvements :)

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Cam Penner 20 years ago

Those were closer to what I had worked on. It seems to me that the power for DRL is not far off what many stereos are run at. Add one psi to each tire, and you'll probably see a bigger improvement. Or better yet, lose 10 pounds yourself, and see a gas milage improvement.

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Don 20 years ago

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etienne 20 years ago

If people wanted to save gas, they would stop driving SUV's, etc..... DRL do not amount to that much fuel consumption.... 2-3mpg is definitely not an accurate figure at all.

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Steve Bukosky 20 years ago

Perhaps because the percentage of load on the engine is less for a large engine than with a smaller engine.

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Steve Bukosky 20 years ago

I can understand that. Was a changeover speed mentioned? In my mind something around 45mph would seem right.

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Mike Lloyd 20 years ago

as far as I recall they just referred to city and highway. do a Google search on it. I'll do the same and let the NG know of anything relevant.

Mike

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Danny Russell 20 years ago

Coasting out of gear (idling engine) uses more fuel in any modern vehicle that shuts off the fuel injectors during coast-down. -Danny

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Freedom55 20 years ago

I doubt it.

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Dominic Richens 20 years ago

eh?

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