How to get the best gas mileage?

Question

what are some ways to get the best gas mileage possible? I drive a 2004 ford explorer and im looking for some ways to make the best gas mileage i can,list as many ways as you can the one who gives the most useful ways gets 10 points:)

Answer 1

First of all, ditch the Exploder.  It doesn't get great mileage; if you've got a smaller, more economical ride you can take, drive it instead.  That said, all the tips apply, no matter what you drive.

Slow down.   The fuel economy difference from 65mph to 55mph is almost more than you can believe.  Leave for work ten minutes earlier, take your time, arrive relaxed - an excellent side benefit to slowing down - and skip a stop at the pump.

Track your performance.  Write down how far you go between fills.  As you get better, you'll see the numbers increase.

Brake earlier, leave gentler.  The moment you see a light turn yellow, get off the gas, even if you're still a half-mile away.  Start braking very gently as much as a quarter-mile out.  Do everything right and by the time you get there, the light will be green again and you just catch up to the traffic as it begins to move.  The very best case is when you never have to come to a complete stop.  The cool part about this is that even though you seem to be driving slower, because you never stop your average speed is exactly the same.  Leaving gentler is more of the same - if there's more traffic lights in front of you, there's not much point in accelerating hard just so you can get there sooner, so you can come to a stop again sooner, is there?  Take it easy.

Check your tire pressure.  Ignore what Barack Obama says, listen to me: I get Prius mileage in a 20-year-old pickup.  And I pump my tires up to the maximum on the tire sidewall.  In my case that's 44lbs.  Yours may be different, but take it on up there.

Put your car (or truck) on a crash diet.  How much of that junk do you need every day?  If some of it is just along for the ride, kick it off the bus - you're giving it a free tour of the city and burning extra gas to haul around the extra weight.  That's enough of THAT.

Keep all your oil and other fluids topped up and properly serviced.  Don't rely on a quickie lube place to do the job right - either do it yourself the way the owner's manual says to do it, or take it to the dealer.  Even if you have a quickie lube joint you trust, NEVER let those bozos do anything to your automatic tranny.  That definitely is a no-fly zone.  AT fluid isn't what it used to be, one size does not fit all, and odds are they really do not have exactly what your car needs.

Don't need that right hand mirror?  Fold it in.

If it's nice enough outside, turn off the AC and just run the fan for fresh air.

Add fender skirts on your back wheelwells.  Those are big buckets that catch and generate a lot of turbulence; cover them up and realize some great benefits.

Consider adding smoothie wheel discs on your wheels.

Add a lower front air dam

Add a full bellypan under the truck to eliminate an awful lot of unnecessary turbulence.  Just because you can't see it, the manufacturers give the underside of the car very short shrift as far as airflow goes.

Go to Ecomodder.com for lots of other ideas of what you can do to your car, and lots of great tips for how to most economically drive it.

Answer 2

Limit your idle time, keep tires inflated, no jack rabbit starts, use your cruise control, go the speed limit, use OD, eliminate extra weight for car, K&N air filter, performance cat back exhaust, can of seafoam in your gas tank.

Answer 3

In addition to all the above ways,

Avoid using automobiles for short distances.

Effectively plan and combine purchases and activities.

Go to the farthest place of business first followed by others while returning to avoid repeated starting of engine in cold condition.

Answer 4

The best way to save on gas and get good mileage is to drive the speed limit, make sure your car or truck tires have the right air pressure in them. Also make sure your ride has a good tune up under the hood plugs, wires ect. Make sure air filter is clean, dont run a/c much, you can save a little on that, dont let your car idle alot.

Answer 5

1) Get a smaller car

2) When accelerating, keep revs under 2000.

3) Change into 5th as soon as is mechanically possible.

4) Anticipate ahead, if the traffic looks like it's slowing, slow down without sharp braking.

5) Do not overtake.

6) Do not use Air Con unless absolutely necessary.

7) No racing.

8) Take your bike, or ride share into work.

Answer 6

Drive on highways more often than side streets. When you take off from a red light, dont put the pedal to the medal. I heard that eats your gas up. Also try to consolidate all of your errands. I usually do everything either on the way to work, or if there isnt enough time, then on the way home. Everything I usually need to hit is on the way anyway. I also try not to go out to lunch! I noticed a lot of running out during work hours eats up gas, bring your own lunch, its cheaper anyway. Also if you know there is a store in walking distance, just walk! Its been pretty nice out anyway, plus you get your excercise in. Dont idle too much, and try to go out when you know traffic wont be as bad. If anything, use someone elses car ;) or ask someone to take you somewhere.  

Answer 7

Pretend that you have an egg between your feet and the gas peddle.

When you are taking off from a stand-still and driving do not apply much throttle, you will drive slower, but you will keep your RPMs lower. This will use much less gas to propel your vehicle.

Answer 8

Push your car to work

Answer 9

Take off slow and go the speed limit. Also run the air-conditioner as little as possible.