bowtieguy's Forum Comments
Showing all comments by bowtieguy.
2002 worse milage
i don't see a measurable difference until 2004 when the larger more efficient V6 was put in the car...http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySide.jsp?column=1&id=19739
if driven correctly, that car can get 30+ mpg on the hwy. around town you need to really pay attention to traffic if you want to see decent mileage.
fyi, i go by the old EPA estimates for mpg. again, driven correctly, these numbers can be achieved, and even surpassed by conscience drivers.
posted by bowtieguy September 8, 2010 at 7:17 PM
TDI EPA figures off?
i could play the devil's advocate for both of you(Mat and Bates)...
you have to remember that the EPA estimates are based on COMBINED highway/city driving. can those estimates be bettered? ABSOLUTELY! and what type of driving are the 50mpg+ members doing? mostly highway? it's very likely.
is this program politically motivated? could be. do they manipulate the rules? possibly. is this an unfair entitlements program? i believe it is!
posted by bowtieguy August 6, 2009 at 6:49 AM
Cars Allowance Rebate System C.A.R.S
there are stipulations however. your "clunker" must get less than18 mpg COMBINED city/hwy according to EPA estimates. and the car must be and have been registered for the past year or more i believe.
so you can't just go buy some piece of junk for $500 and get a voucher for $4500. the good news is, if you qualify, some dealers will match your gov't voucher w/ their rebate. it's likely chevy and chrysler would be the only ones doing that!
posted by bowtieguy July 27, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Tire sizing odometer modifier?
i did my own calculations on the 3 sites, coming up w/ VERY similar #s. so, makes me wonder if it's TR that is wrong?
posted by bowtieguy July 26, 2009 at 4:59 AM
well here's another...http://1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp or this one...http://www.euroshina.com.ua/calc.php?w=145&h=80&d=13&wn=165&hn=70&dn=13&lng=en
posted by bowtieguy July 26, 2009 at 4:52 AM
What is the most efficient DRIVING SPEED? I have a Toyota Aygo ( and a Citroen Xsara Picasso)
every vehicle is different. as a general rule, the lowest speed in top gear is a good start. i've owned several GM cars w/ V6s. on those cars, when overdrive is achieved @ near 50mph, the rpms drop to1500. it's amazing that a 3500lb car can get 30+mpg on the hwy.
cars w/ auto tranny, the best idea is to stay in TC(torque converter) lock-up mode. in top gear, under TC lock-up, you can maximize fuel economy.
don't forget about DFCO(decleration fuel cut off). most drivers do not realize that when decelerating(instead of braking hard at the last moment), most modern vehicles USE ZERO FUEL(down to 1k rpm). this can be a huge benefit in your overall mpg avg.
posted by bowtieguy July 23, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Tire sizing odometer modifier?
http://miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
this won't do it automatically, but it's good for quick calculations.
posted by bowtieguy July 23, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Keep track of gallons burned, not MPG.
in regard to lowering fuel consumption, the type of vehicle can be just as important as driving technique. why commute alone in a large vehicle? but, if that vehicle serves other purposes as well, it may be a good choice. insuring 2 vehicles may or may be a good financial decision.
there are too many variables to make a real comparison between drivers. some drivers may be able to bike or use mass transit to limit their consumption. the fuel savings there would be most difficult to track. others may want to live away from the city to raise a family.
your thought does hold merit however. the bottom line is many of us can improve our efficiency by owning a smaller vehicle and driving less. that's not a political position. i drive a commercial vehicle, so i truly realize that large vehicles and trucks are necessary.
posted by bowtieguy May 10, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Performance mods for economy
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=8606&highlight=performance+mods
posted by bowtieguy November 20, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Synthetic motor oils and MPG
in order to get THE most benefit from synthetics, you must use a PAO based one. the only ones i'm certain of are amsoil and some mobile1 oils(not all of them). many synthetics are fake and mostly dino juice.
the cost to me is well worth it. i only get under my car twice per year. once to change the oil, and a second time to change the filter half way. amsoil 0w30 claims to last for 35k or 1 year, but i'd go no more than half that(miles) or stick w/ yearly changes.
posted by bowtieguy November 20, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Road and Track story on saving Fuel
i agree w/ VWJunky. on short "glides," stay in gear to achieve DFCO(deceleration fuel cut off). most newer cars have this feature. if a long glide presents itself, by all means take the vehicle out of gear.
posted by bowtieguy November 20, 2008 at 11:44 AM