General Cobalt General Cobalt, Pursuit, and Ion talk. Post specific discussions in the forums below

How To Drive Efficiently?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-22-2007, 08:09 PM
  #26  
Junior Member
 
FuriouS's Avatar
 
Join Date: 04-19-07
Location: Kemptville, Ontario
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dont use A/C
Dont take off from lights fast
Dont pass anyone
Dont go over 55mph

Generally.....drive like grandpa.
Old 05-22-2007, 09:49 PM
  #27  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
denn454's Avatar
 
Join Date: 01-29-07
Location: colorado
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by redSSBalt
I think that the lack of oxygen due to the altitude in Colorado is starting to get to you!

The manufactures recommend the octanes that they do for certain reasons. They don't recommend something just for the heck of it! No one has said that you can't run 87 octane, you can run it yes. Don't plan on your motor lasting like it should, you will definetly kill it prematurely!!!
if you always drive easly, there will be no side effects to lower octane. Because octane is basically makes gas less volatile a lower octane fuel will, and does, burn more completely with less effort, making it more effecient. the computer will pull timming if it sees knock, knock is most typical at high rpm's at full throttle. Yes it can happen any time, but its very unlikely. 10.6:1 compression in the 2.4 isn't that high, high enough to need premium if your running it hard but driving like a grandma, looking for good economy, isn't going to push the limits of 87 octane fuel.

going to 85 is doable like I said earlier, and would be safe if you were in control of traffic, you never know when you will have to push the throttle to save your bacon. you don't want to have to deal with decreased power at times like that. As far as damage, your not going to see any problems because the computer will not let anything destructive to happen. do this every day and you may only get 250,000 miles out of the engine rather than 300,000. would it be worth the money saved?

I personally wouldn't go below 87 if you can afford it, but I'm telling you that you will be safe with less. believe me if you want, question me if you want. it doesn't matter much to me.

having said that, i'm done meandering off topic with this one. read my above link for lots of good ways to improve your mileage.

Last edited by denn454; 05-22-2007 at 11:45 PM.
Old 05-22-2007, 10:03 PM
  #28  
New Member
 
Derrick988's Avatar
 
Join Date: 08-13-06
Location: Houston
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1. Always keep your car tuned up and in good repair. We've all seen cars driving down the road that leak gas -- what a waste! A poorly tuned car can use up to 25% more gas.

2. Avoid buying higher octane gas than your car requires. Higher octane gas is more expensive, and if your car doesn't need it, you're wasting money.

3. Keep your tires properly inflated. This can make a huge difference in your gas mileage -- up to 6% loss for every single pound your tire is under-inflated. Check your tire pressure frequently, especially if your tires have a tendency to lose pressure.

4. Consider getting steel-belted radial tires, since they can pay for themselves over time. They can increase gas mileage up to 10%.

5. Remove snow tires after the winter season, since they require more fuel.

6. Don't carry unnecessary items in your car. Every 250 extra pounds eats up an extra mile per gallon. Another good reason to clean out the trunk...

7. You might want to buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco and some Sam's Clubs. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon. Or, if you don't like the wholesale clubs, get a gas credit card. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy that brand of gas.

8. Save money with self-service whenever possible. And pay cash if there is an extra charge to use a credit card.

9. Don't let your car idle, either when you warm it up or when you are at a standstill. If you're going to be standing for more than a minute, running your engine wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

10. Buy gas when it's cooler during the day (like the early morning or at night) to reduce gas evaporation.

11. This surprises a lot of people, but don't over-fill your gas tank. You don't want the gas to slosh out or evaporate.

12. This is probably obvious -- but slow down. Most cars are less efficient at higher speeds. You'll save 2 miles per gallon driving 55 mph rather than 65 mph. That adds up.

13. Another obvious suggestion is to drive less. Combine errands, carpool, and plot out your route beforehand to avoid backtracking whenever possible.

14. Develop good driving habits. For example, accelerate gently, maintain a steady speed rather than speeding up and slowing down, and avoid slamming on the brakes.

15. Keep your windows closed when driving on the highway. Open windows can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10%. In stop-and-go traffic, open the windows and turn off the air conditioning to save money.

16. Rent fuel-efficient cars when you travel. Research and find reasonably priced places to buy gas before you leave, especially if you'll be driving a lot.

Courtsey of: http://www.scambusters.org/cars/gas-prices.html

If all else fails.. buy a Motorbike. That way you can get 50 MPG
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Solaris99
08-10 SS Turbocharged General Discussion
28
03-15-2017 01:22 PM
KMO43
Front Page News
33
01-12-2016 12:01 AM
importkiller
Problems/Service/Maintenance
11
09-30-2015 07:18 PM
jmelton327
Drivetrain
2
09-26-2015 10:04 PM
Extreme Dimensions
South Pacific
0
09-24-2015 07:51 PM



Quick Reply: How To Drive Efficiently?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:56 AM.