The value of regular tyre pressure checks. . .

[blackjackdavey]

I collected my second-hand 2000 Insight a couple of weeks back and drove it the 120 miles home, with an average of just over 70mpg; over the next few days the figures that emerged were just over 65 urban and up to 72 motorway. Then I looked at the tyres.

The fronts had been running at just over 20psi and the rears a little higher. So I raised the pressure to 40 front and 37 rear. On a 60 mile motorway run, with a little tactical truck-surfing, I got the average up to 104.1 mpg. I couldn't believe it - I even took a photograph of the dash instrumentation to record the results.

I'm learning more every day. . .

[james]

I'm assuming you're in Britain, and those are Imperial gallons

[Willie Williford]

Wait untill you go to 50psi!

Willie

[retepsnikrep]

20psi is very low check tyres have not been damaged by running them that low, cracks splits etc. Are they the original OEM tyres?

Bridgestone RE92 (US) or B391 (UK)

Try 45 or 50psi all round for a further improvement.

Please add your location to your profile and a few more details about you and your car. It helps us to help you.

[blackjackdavey]

Sorry about the delay in responding - fell asleep for a few hours there. (Yup, I'm in Britain). So, yes, that's Imperial gallons. And thanks, I will check the tyres for damage - they're Yokohamas and initial examinations suggest they've survived the low pressure experience.

As for upping the pressures to 45-50psi, I'm feeling my way on handling/grip to 40psi first. If you've been to the UK, you'll know that it's full of tight and twisty corners and ridiculously tight radii on motorway (freeway!) entrance and exit ramps. Right now it's wet and icy too.

[blackjackdavey]

It's really the wrong place to raise this but, in response to the suggestion I include more info in my profile, I'm afraid I don't know how. Could you point me in the direction of a thread that will guide me on editing? When I go into the Profile area there doesn't appear any way of adding to the profile features.

I'm running Firefox on a Mac just in case that throws up any technical clues. . .

[retepsnikrep]

Originally Posted by blackjackdavey

They're Yokohamas and initial examinations suggest they've survived the low pressure experience.

The non OEM tyres you have fitted will def cost you a few mpg Possibly 5-10mpg

The Bridgestone B391 165/65R14 UK OEM tyre is the one to fit for max mpg. Pumped up hard, it's a harder ride but worth it IMO.

You have to make a certain number of post's I believe before you can edit your profile. I'm not sure of the number.

[blackjackdavey]

Thanks for that, retepsnikrep - there looks to be a good few miles left in the Yokos yet but when I have a moment I'll do a cost comparison analysis of the remaining tyre life and the fuel performance deficit you suggest.

I can't believe I just wrote that. Next I'll be asking if shaving your eyebrows will have a weight-saving impact on fuel economy. . .

Still, I'm now one post nearer to being able to edit my profile!

[retepsnikrep]

Originally Posted by blackjackdavey

I'll do a cost comparison analysis of the remaining tyre life and the fuel performance deficit you suggest.

I can't believe I just wrote that. Next I'll be asking if shaving your eyebrows will have a weight-saving impact on fuel economy.

Flog the old ones on e-bay and buy a new set, go on, you know you want too

You will very soon develop an affliction peculiar to Insight owners where the very last scrap of weight saving, aerodynamic tweaks, driving tactics and other mods take over your life, in an effort to achieve the ultimate mpg

You won't watch the road as much, your gaze will be fixed on the instant mpg display as you watch it rise and fall like a hypnotist's pendant

[Dougie]

At the top of this page, under the picture of the silver Insight, is a button "Profile."

Click it.