In the quest for ultimate gas mileage, I have dedicated my life and energy. To that end, I have made the following modifications, adjustments, sacrifices, etc.
Aerodynamics:
Front Wheel Skirts. We have discussed this before, and the difficulty in creating a mechanism to allow for turning the wheels. Because such a mechanism would add weight, I just installed flat skirts and avoid turning the steering wheel more than a half-turn each way. I put a “vehicle makes wide turns” bumper sticker on the back.
Aero-dimples. I parked my car outside waiting for a hailstorm, but was unsuccessful. One never occurs when you want it to, so I just used a hammer.
Weight:
Every non-essential part was removed. This primarily refers to the interior, including carpet, headliner, door panels, and both seats. It was difficult to properly operate all the controls without the driver’s seat, so I placed an inflatable chair in the proper location.
I also removed the air-conditioning apparatus, as it is a frivolous comfort accessory. But since it becomes somewhat warm inside the car (I never lower the windows due to possible increased drag), I drive naked. I used to carry my clothes with me, and re-dress when I arrive at my destination, but I decided I could save that weight and just leave my clothes at home. Because I now am unable to actually get out of the car at my destination (not after that one incident…) this saves on the extra energy required to stop and start, and I just drive on back home.
Bare feet also helps with modulating the throttle to best advantage, since the “feel” is not dulled by a shoe and/or sock.
I always make sure to make a “pit-stop” prior to each trip. It is induced if necessary, and I avoid eating for at least 8 hours prior to any planned trip.
I map and measure each trip, and fill the car with only the amount of gas necessary for the trip. No more than that.
Engine:
Prior to each trip, I change the oil, and the air and oil filters. I wish to avoid the excess drag on the engine from dirt in each of those components. I toyed with the idea of changing each along the way also, but that would mean carrying extras with me, which would add excess weight.
Rolling resistance:
I intially tried inflating the tires to 100 psi with hydrogen, hoping to add some weight reduction. However, images of the Hindenburg kept popping into mind, so I switched to helium.
I was not satisfied with the performance of the helium, so I installed 4 motorcycle wheels, with solid rubber tires. Still not satisfied, I removed the rubber and use appropriate-sized metal rims. This, of course, hurts the ride-quality and turning grip, but remember I cannot turn the wheel much anyway due to the front wheel skirts.
Final results:
After all the work, I am disappointed to find that my car still requires fuel. If anyone has any suggestions for further methods to increase mileage, please, please let me know. Thanks
Aerodynamics:
Front Wheel Skirts. We have discussed this before, and the difficulty in creating a mechanism to allow for turning the wheels. Because such a mechanism would add weight, I just installed flat skirts and avoid turning the steering wheel more than a half-turn each way. I put a “vehicle makes wide turns” bumper sticker on the back.
Aero-dimples. I parked my car outside waiting for a hailstorm, but was unsuccessful. One never occurs when you want it to, so I just used a hammer.
Weight:
Every non-essential part was removed. This primarily refers to the interior, including carpet, headliner, door panels, and both seats. It was difficult to properly operate all the controls without the driver’s seat, so I placed an inflatable chair in the proper location.
I also removed the air-conditioning apparatus, as it is a frivolous comfort accessory. But since it becomes somewhat warm inside the car (I never lower the windows due to possible increased drag), I drive naked. I used to carry my clothes with me, and re-dress when I arrive at my destination, but I decided I could save that weight and just leave my clothes at home. Because I now am unable to actually get out of the car at my destination (not after that one incident…) this saves on the extra energy required to stop and start, and I just drive on back home.
Bare feet also helps with modulating the throttle to best advantage, since the “feel” is not dulled by a shoe and/or sock.
I always make sure to make a “pit-stop” prior to each trip. It is induced if necessary, and I avoid eating for at least 8 hours prior to any planned trip.
I map and measure each trip, and fill the car with only the amount of gas necessary for the trip. No more than that.
Engine:
Prior to each trip, I change the oil, and the air and oil filters. I wish to avoid the excess drag on the engine from dirt in each of those components. I toyed with the idea of changing each along the way also, but that would mean carrying extras with me, which would add excess weight.
Rolling resistance:
I intially tried inflating the tires to 100 psi with hydrogen, hoping to add some weight reduction. However, images of the Hindenburg kept popping into mind, so I switched to helium.
I was not satisfied with the performance of the helium, so I installed 4 motorcycle wheels, with solid rubber tires. Still not satisfied, I removed the rubber and use appropriate-sized metal rims. This, of course, hurts the ride-quality and turning grip, but remember I cannot turn the wheel much anyway due to the front wheel skirts.
Final results:
After all the work, I am disappointed to find that my car still requires fuel. If anyone has any suggestions for further methods to increase mileage, please, please let me know. Thanks
