How to get optimum gas mileage?

**Steve** · 01-13-2007, 02:46 PM

We've all heard about the gimicks, but what about the tried and true methods for saving gas? Anyone have any pointers?

Of course we have, 1) proper tire inflation, 2) keeping your air filters clean, 3) not punching the gas on the start.

What other tips can you suggest?

**TrailLeadr** · 01-13-2007, 02:53 PM

Drafting the guy in front of you....lol I'm kidding. Don't do that, it's not safe.

**unplugged** · 01-13-2007, 03:25 PM

I can't.....I'm a member of the Knights of the Loud Pedal!

**jrisden** · 01-25-2007, 06:22 PM

If you want optimum gas mileage get a compact car...lol

I suggest not speeding and try to keep an even speed on the road.

**KD7ONE** · 01-25-2007, 07:48 PM

don't use the gas when going downhill

**Reprobate** · 01-25-2007, 11:10 PM

Pull all needless crap out of your truck e.g., phone books, papers, and other junk. Then again with a 5000lb vehicle dropping 80 pounds is probably akin to spitting in the ocean. Worth a try IMO.

**84fiero123** · 01-26-2007, 05:54 AM

Put an empty soda, beer can in the bed, cargo area stand it up.

Now drive.

If the can falls over under acceleration. You are going to fast.

Tape a rotten egg to your gas pedal.

Keep RPMs in the most efficient range, Between 1,800 and 2,500. Is what I have been told is the best range for mileage. Now that is when cruising, obviously you need to go over those to get autos to shift.

**TrailLeadr** · 01-26-2007, 09:02 AM

Freeing up HP in the engine helps get more power to the wheels, which means you don't press the accelerator as hard to climb that hill.

Replace your water pump, with an electric pump. Claims to fee up as much as 10-20hp. That could be an ambitious claim.

Others will be quick to point out that it will simply place more load on the alternator thus making the engine work just as hard, which is kind of true but the typical electric water pump draws less (approx 6 amps)amperage than when you have your headlights on (approx 10 amps).

I haven't met a person who claimed to get worse gas mileage with their headlights on, vs off.

**GM_Guy** · 01-26-2007, 10:36 AM

how do you all feel about running gas with 10% ethanol in it??
does Mileage suffer when using it??
I always top Mine off every week, (easier to afford), about 5 gallons each time

**TrailLeadr** · 01-26-2007, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jeffs89Suburban

how do you all feel about running gas with 10% ethanol in it??
does Mileage suffer when using it??

That's a good question. I'd say it barely noticeable (to me) if there is a difference. Of course at this point, almost all the stations around here have gone to the 10% mix, so there's not really an opportunity to compare. Those that haven't gone to the mix, still have prices too high for me to consider when there are cheaper prices elsewhere I can take advantage of. $2.30 at Mobil, vs $2.14 with ethanol at Hess...

Anyone else done this comparison?