'05 Dodge Stratus 2.4L ~ ~

Google, It's a miracle.

=3D=3D=3D=3D Well, ok, but in the meantime - here is a quick question you might have an answer for,

why do I only get 15 miles per gallon for city driving, when the epa posted mileage is 22?

mho v=83e

Google isn't a miracle, it's a necessity:

=3D=3D agree, but neither google or the epa in general terms is going to address the case in point.

there is too much difference between the estimated, and real figures. there has to be a definitive explanation, a remedy for the problem.

mho v=83e

While some people get MORE mpg than the epa claims they should get, most vehicles get less. A lot less. I think it was a "PRIMETIME" or a "20/20" show that tested a Jeep vehicle rated at 22 mpg and the actual figures were 11 mpg. Still, you should be getting more on your particular vehicle.

It's all about moving weight around. My car weights 3800 lb, add 18 gallons of fuel, you've got 2 tons.

Otoh, I weigh 200 lb. 1/20th of the vehicle weight.

What we're really doing is moving the VEHICLE WEIGHT around...up hills, overcoming friction, throwing out 70+% of the fuel BTU's on engine heat, and there's us in the passenger compartment...almost an afterthought.

There is no WAY to improve gas mileage in the sense that you _have_ to move this weight around, and overcome aerodynamic drag. It is easier if you think of a car as just a cubic block of steel/iron/plastic/slag. Or just a rock.

If it has a MASS of such and such, and you have to do X amount of

If you want to know how much economy your vehicle is going to give you, think weight and aerodynamics. Forget the sticker on the window...it is a Ruse.

Lg

sorry, but the commenters so far - are missing the point i've tried to make. this is a mechanical or electronic problem.

I posted on a less than normal temperature reading for this car, earlier on.

if the operating temp is lacking, then the gas combustion is inadequate, resulting in less mpg. true or false?

might be all wet, but then again it might just be something that simple.

I'll be going to the dealership next week for professional help. I'll let you know, stay tuned in.

mho v=83e

Shep, it's all Physics 101. Acceleration of Mass X from zero to Y mph in Z seconds. Moving 2 tons up a hill, i.e. elevating that 2 tons, or in effect, Lifting it, whatever the height of the hill is. There isn't any magic to it, except you've got a frictional component in there along with aerodynamic drag.

Depending on your acceleration demands ( how hard you push down on the gas pedal ), you can watch the amount of WORK being done right in front of your eyes if you keep tabs on the fuel tank gauge.

Hwy mileage estimates are easy, because it is presumed you're doing the predictable speed limit, and they know the coefficient of aerodynamic drag at that speed. They know what gear the vehicle will be in. All very predictable, since they're not taking into account stop and go driving, just a state of steady cruise.

If you want economy, get a lighweight vehicle. The trade off is, you'll die in it if you hit a squirrel crossing the road. And handling a light vehicle in a strong wind is a complete PITA. And you'll most likely feel every pebble in the road that you run over.

I traded in economy for comfort, and am not sorry for my decision. And I am not surprised *they* can predict, with reasonable accuracy, HIGHWAY cruising mileage. It's all the other stuff that's going to empty your tank. Like for example you know that 1.5 ton truck you're driving? Put a 1.5 ton load in the back and get back to me on the mpg.

Lg

Of course....that's why you wanted to know how many zerks there were...

.=2E..and that was on what newsgroup, when?

.=2E..all wet, simple...works for me

.=2E.professional help is definitely indicated.....standing by; wouldn't miss this for the world.....

ok, dense-o, you will, unless things change, not that you couldn't use it, and btw - don't leave home without your dog. geeesssh.

mho v=83e

You'd serve yourself well by showing that man some respect. His qualifications are way beyond yours.

=3D=3D then why doesn't HE use them, and just where do you - fit-in?

"I" know how to rectify the problem, and it definitely - is a malfunction causing the excessive gas usage.

I'm convinced this is "forum" is full of "experts" - without answers, but plenty of - lip service.

mho v=83e

Why don't you ask him, you ask plenty of other stupid questions...

Currently, in my [home] office chair.

So go fix it. or were you asking permission?

You think amateurs would be better?

Why would you need answers, as stated above, you "know how to rectify the problem?"

=3D=3D=3D Who showed you where it was?.

mho v=83e

Not everything needs to be shown or told, some people can figure things out on their own.

Try it once.

...pot? ...kettle?