Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I drive a 2001 5-speed that I bought used last sept. When I bought it it had 27,000 miles on it with a lifetime mpg of 56.1. My first drive in it (600 miles from Wisconsin to St. Louis, MO) I got 72 mpg, but since then I have struggled to get above 56 mpg (well, except on over 1000 mile trips when I could get around 66mpg.)
Here's my question: Most of my driving is short distances - my daily commute is 8 miles one way with only 5 of those miles on the highway where I can get up to 5th gear. The remaining miles are street driving with stop signs at every corner. It's depressing watching my mpg drop while I drive the two miles towards the highway every day.
I find that when I can stay on the highway for a longer distance then my mpg gets better. Unfortunately I can't change the location of my workplace.
I generally try to get up to higher gears as quick as possible, i.e. 3rd gear from one stop sign to the next. I haven't tried increasing my tire pressure yet - will try that this week.
Does anyone have any suggestions for getting better mpg?
Thanks.
INSIGHTS ROCK!
I'm new to the forum. I drive a 2001 5-speed that I bought used last sept. When I bought it it had 27,000 miles on it with a lifetime mpg of 56.1. My first drive in it (600 miles from Wisconsin to St. Louis, MO) I got 72 mpg, but since then I have struggled to get above 56 mpg (well, except on over 1000 mile trips when I could get around 66mpg.)
Here's my question: Most of my driving is short distances - my daily commute is 8 miles one way with only 5 of those miles on the highway where I can get up to 5th gear. The remaining miles are street driving with stop signs at every corner. It's depressing watching my mpg drop while I drive the two miles towards the highway every day.
I find that when I can stay on the highway for a longer distance then my mpg gets better. Unfortunately I can't change the location of my workplace.
I generally try to get up to higher gears as quick as possible, i.e. 3rd gear from one stop sign to the next. I haven't tried increasing my tire pressure yet - will try that this week.
Does anyone have any suggestions for getting better mpg?
Thanks.
INSIGHTS ROCK!