How can i get better gas mileage?

Question

I have a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. I drive to and from work on the highway and my one-way commute is about 45 miles (37 miles on the high way) so about 90 miles each day.

I found that when I compute my gas mileage I am only getting about 25 miles to the gallon when I should be getting close to 33! I drive between 65-75 miles an hour on the high way due to the speed limit as well as the amount of traffic on the road.

I did also get my oil changed recently...but that did not help!

What can I do to get better mileage?!

Answer 1

Check your tire pressure. They do improve gas mileage, too.

Answer 2

Make sure your tires are at the right pressure

Make sure your air filter is clean

Get a tuneup

Slow down - to 55-60 mph.  However, the more stop-n-go traffic you encounter, the more your gas mileage will fall.

Car pool

Answer 3

The number one biggest thing is slow down. The EPA estimates on cars for highway driving is based on low 50's. That's not realistic but the slower you drive the better the mileage will be. Try to hold your highway speed to 60-65. You'll see a big difference.

Answer 4

If you can find just one other rider, your gas mileage per person shoots up to 50.  It might even be fun.

If I was going to experiment with your car, I'd probably air the tires up a little, and try driving it more slowly.  Also make sure it's getting fully warmed up, enough to get all the engine controls happy.  That is important, and it's cold out.  You can block off half your radiator if you need to.

Answer 5

besides the things mentioned.... perhaps get your spark plugs changed  & maybe check into some additives at your local auto parts store

Answer 6

check your tires,do a complete tune-up, like plugs, wires and clean out the throttle body, check the air filter, if its dirty, it takes more gas to go,also if its got cruise, use it, that helps alot.

Answer 7

Few things to check first,

Fuel filter

Air Filter

Tire inflation (higher gets better mpg but less control of auto)

Make sure you have your regular tune up as scheduled in your owners manual.  Don't listen to people that say change spark plugs and wires all the time.  That will cost more than the fuel.

Ok first slow down.  It stinks but most autos are geared to get the best fuel economy at about 55mph or 60mph.  Use cruse control or keep your foot at a constant pressure.  Doing that you may go slower up hills and faster down hills, but you will get the most out of your mpg.  Do a search on hyper miles.  People right up alot of ways you can increase your mpg.  Also make sure you are useing the correct octaine fuel.  Useing higher will make your mpg worse in most cases.

Answer 8

-overinflate the tires by a couple of psi

-make sure your alignment is straight

-replace your stock air filter with a free flow one like K&N or AirHog

-use a lighter weight oil if you currently use 10w-40, switch to 5w-30

-keep the exterior of the car clean

-keep the interior and trunk free of extra weight. Don't store your magazines in there ;)

-use your cruise control as much as possible

-when you are coming to stop or slowing, coast a little longer than usual. Take your foot off the gas sooner.

-slow down if you can. The car got 33mpg under certain conditions, one of those being slower speeds.

Answer 9

Sell your car and get a diesel.

I get 50 mpg with my VW Jetta.

Answer 10

Do not run the AC. Also, you may get better gas mileage at a slower speed.

How may miles are you going in the stop and go city driving? You may be getting the less mileage in the city and better Highway. And the Estimated Miles per gallon they tell us all about is "An average". read the silly disclaimer, real small print (Your mileage may very)

Answer 11

Make sure your tires are inflated properly.

Answer 12

consider yourself lucky, i average 16.9 on my GTO :(

Answer 13

the correct air pressure on your tires. Also, if you travel in parts where you hit the break often then all your gas is consumed there as opposed to oen highway. I travel from DC to baltimore Daily and only use 20 to 30 bucks per week. I havent even figured out the milage yet. and Ive noticed that on the weekends when I travel in the city itself hitting all the traffic lights I use 20 bucks in just two days.