How can I save gas on my Ford Explorer?

Question

I recently bought a 1995 Ford Explorer (I didn't have much of a choice) and it sucks gas like crazy. I've had the car for 3 days (filled the tank the first day I got the car), haven't been driving around too much, and it has already used more than 1/4 of the tank. I can't return or get a new car so I need to know how to still be able to drive with out fear of my gas running out too quick.

Answer 1

1. Do NOT use the air conditioning UNLESS NECESSARY.

2. The car is new, it needs some time to get used to consuming the gas.

3. Get good quality gas - Go to shell for good gas but low price!  

Answer 2

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer SOHC engine with 198,000 miles on it and, using some different techniques, I average about 18.5 MPG.  Granted I do about 60% highway driving, I'm pretty darn proud of those stats. And yes, I rev the engine over 2500 when accelerating!

Here's some of the best options I've found that work:

- Inflate the tires to about 38PSI cold.  The factory calls for 26psi, which is ridiculous. In fact, the lower PSI is a center of controversy in which Ford tried to compensate for the uncomfortable, unsafe ride by softening the tires.  This will get you about 20-30% better economy right off the bat.

- Give yourself a tune-up. New plugs, wires, air filter, etc.  This will also give you more pickup and horsepower.

- Run a fully synthetic 10W-40 oil.  This will relieve some of the friction in the engine and let it work more efficiently.

- Run some SeaFoam through the PCV valve per the bottle instructions.  This will clean and de-carbon the engine allowing for a fuller ignition and more more efficiency. Do this every oil change.

- Clean your Mass Air Flow with a MAF sensor cleaner. This lets the engine mix the fuel more accurately.  Also, reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for 2 minutes after performing this cleaning.

- Invest in a gallon of Lucas Fuel Treatment and portion it out to about 6ounces per tank. When you buy a gallon it works out to be about $1.50 per tank. Fill up your tank everytime with 6oz of the Lucas and then your favorite gasoline,

So there you have it.  That's how my nearly 200k mile old engine gets 18 miles to the gallon without driving like a grandma!

Answer 3

They don't get very good gas mileage regardless but you can improve it by making sure it has a clean air filter and good spark plugs.

Answer 4

I looked at them and thought this is medival technology when it came out of the factory. You can not do much about it since it is built-in c**p. It will also not break on the other hand. So you have to look at it from that point that repairs will be cheap. All my friends sold theirs long ago, after I asked them why they bought them and they did not know! One bought a Honda and loves it. Do not go for the gas saving gizmos and spend money on them. You can not change the consumption on those rigs. Just remember next time to read up a bit on what you want to buy. That Saves tons of hassle and money.

I had many trucks from Landcruisers, Mercedes Gs, now Nissan Xterra, to FJs, and Jeeps of course. I must say the Jeeps are my Favourites, but the Nissan is not bad but is not a 4x4, the Gs are too slow and too expensive, but great in woods. The Jeeps Overland have the power, low consumption and a great handling for a real 4x4.

Answer 5

My had a 95 explorer, and I gave it to my girlfriend.  I didn't care about the car, but it had to last her a while, so we did some work.  I was getting about 14mpg, but when I gave it to her, we did a little work.

First, get a new air filter.  I think that was the main problem with the car getting so such crappy mileage.  Second, change the spark plugs, change the oil and make sure the tires are inflated correctly.  I know it sounds stupid, but this kind of maintenance can do real good stuff for your mileage.

Next thing, run some fuel injector cleaner though the car as well as a tank or two of high octane gas.  It may (MAY) help clean up the injectors and clean up a motor that hasn't been treated so well.  Then, change the fuel filter and and clean the MAF.  You should do this when you change the air filter.  When you take the filter off, look down the tube and you should see a bar in the middle of the pipe.  Take some alcohol on a cotton swab and just rub the wire very gently.  Then let it sit for about 10 mins to let the alcohol evaporate off.  

After we did all of this to her car, her mileage went up to 17 mpg average according to the HUD in the car.  

Last thing I did was put some smaller wheels/tires on the car.  It had some aftermarket 18in wheels on when I bought it (previous owner thought he was a gangster), so I put on a set of used OEm 15x7's.  Mileage went up a little bit, but hardly worth the price.  I paid 450 for rims and tires and only got maybe a half a mile per gallon.  She just didn't like the wheels, and the 18's where pretty beat up.  

Answer 6

ethanol, or in 2010, invest in the chevy volt, which goes 40 miles on electric power before having to use gas. if you dont do long distance traveling, its perfect

Answer 7

they are geared pretty low, so install some taller economy gears in the rear-end..  also try different driving techniques, like hypermiling..  just slowing down from 75 to 65 will save you 2 or 3 miles per gallon..

Answer 8

blow it up, that was not the right vehicle to buy if you care about saving gas

Answer 9

i'd either sell it or keep it in the garage.  

Answer 10

I have The Ford Explorer but the 2002 one! Oh and I don't know the answer, Sorry!

Answer 11

DO NOT USE AC AS MUCH TRY TO TAKE IT TO A CAR SHOP CAUSE U MAY NEED A TUN UP AND ALSO DON'T DRIVE  TILL YOUR TANK IS EMPTY TRY TO FILL WHEN AT HALF TANK CAUSE YOU WILL SAVE MORE MONEY ALSO TRY TO GO TO THE CHEEPEST GAS STATION WHICH SHOULD BE SHELL BUT YOU SHOULD TRY TO GET A SMALL CAR OR A HYBRID

Answer 12

get rid of it

Answer 13

use this checklist:

--make sure your tires are firm and always full of air

--cary a tire gage with you, and stash it in your car

--make sure your car is tuned up and always in good condition

--vote for obama