Better Mileage????

[rob chaw]

I'm renting a car next week to go to Atlanta, from South Florida for a Softball Tournament...

We already booked a large Luxury vehicle...



You guys know of any tricks that i can do to get better gas mileage out of them without actually spending any $$$... I was thinking of pulling out the air filter, what do you guys think/or know? I know pulling out the filter is bad for the engine, but it's not going to be my ride forever just a 4 day weekend...



rob

 

[Thomas Rogers]

First of all, Rob, if you know that something is bad for an engine, why on God's green Earth would you even consider doing it?



To get the best gas mileage possible drive directly to nearest station and check the tire pressure for all 4 tires and inflate if needed (have your own tire guage and make it exact for the ratings of the tires). Then, when driving make sure to drive like a grandma; no jackrabbit starts, drive at not above the speed limit, and take your time getting up to speed and leave LOTs of space between you and the other traffic as if having to step on the brakes would literally break your mother's back.



Do those things and you will get the best gas mileage you can, way better than driving the car without all the proper filters in place.



TJR

 

[mookie]

I whole-heartedly agree with Tom...

 

[Dave S 2]

I'd agree with the last 2 posts by asking WHY??? Why short change the vehicle for maybe 1-2 more mpg? I guess I'm at a loss as to why one would do so.



On the other hand, I've had 3 fills of E85 and for the life of me, my ST I think cruises / performs better and so far I can't really distinguish between the MPG's compared to regular.



Possibly filling with E85 could help you out? I don't know, all I have read and heard, has reported approx 1/3 less MPG but so far I haven't seen it. This is compared to regular for $3.19 and E85 @ $2.59. At least you don't get the sticker shock of regular at the fillup!!!



Hate to let out my trial period with the E85 before I have a reportable stat but if it pursuades you from ruining a perfectly good vehicle for pennies, then so be it.



Hope you find your answer within reason...

 

[Todd Z]

its a rental, I love killing rentals..... !!!!



I have to buy the insurance if I rent from Avis or enterprise here, They have me on file !!! LOL



And yes, I am actually proud of that!!!!





But there is nothing you can do other than drive nice and easy and take off slow to save some gas....



Todd Z

 

[Dave S 2]

I hear ya Todd. I love rentals also for the same reasons. Drive em like you think they ought to be driven and then turn it in at the end of the day to be forgotten.



BUT, I have never purposely jacked one to my favor for a few cents saved.



Did I mention the time I rented that Mitsubishi Mirage with only 49 miles on it and it didn't want to reverse out of my buddy's driveway, but now I digress...



LOL!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mark Tomkiel]

keep it at 55MPH. Your best way to maximize mileage is cruising at the most fuel efficient speed.



"Increasing your speed from 55 mph to 75 mph boosts your fuel consumption a stunning 20 percent! "

 

[Woppy V]

never let it drop bellow 90!

 

[Scott Mikutel]

E85 IN A REGULAR TANK WOULDNT THAT EAT AT YOUR ENGINE?

 

[Aaron Yarbough]

Mark, I disagree with that statement about the 20% reductionin fuel economy due to increased speed from 55 to 75 and i think others will agree.



Most vehicles run most efficiently around 70 mph and the reason is because of where the motors peak horsepower range is. If an engine is chugging along at a rate that is well below it's peak horsepower range then it uses more fuel trying to keep it moving than if it was cruising at a speed closer to where it's most efficient range is.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Lil Red, I am quite sure that your "Most vehicles run most efficiently around 70mph" statement is incorrect. I believe it might be many, but I doubt it is "most".



There are a lot of gutless 4 cyl compacts and sedans on the road, and under-powered 6 cyls as well that have to strain a little (or a lot) to stay at or above 70mph.



Read more below:

 

[Johnny O]

Actually removing the air filter won't much if at all. These days there simply isn't much restriction. On a rental, just check it to see if it's clean and make sure the tires are fully inflated.

 

[jbluther]

True, Scott. But maybe this rental is has flex fuel engine.

 

[rob chaw]

Thanks guys , i knew i'd have to dodge a few comments....

I WILL NOT TAKE OUT THE AIR FILTER... but i will take the advice and check the tires, and maybe check the filter to see if it is clean...

I'm not much of a lead foot myself, so driving calmly and not accelerating fast is not a prob.



thanks again....

rob

 

[FlipTrac_511]

C'mon Rob, you chose to rent a large luxury SUV. By doing so, you waived your right to worry about mileage.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Oh yea. Nothing like destroying someone elses property.



My personal vehicle, sure. I will run the piss out of it. I change my oil once a year and drive it too hard.



Someone elses property...never.





Tom

 

[rob chaw]

thanks....again...

rob