Filled up with gas today...

**Natalie** · 06-09-2008, 09:15 PM

Last time, I'd put in 9 gallons. Today, I estimate that I'd used approximately 9 gallons, maybe a tad more, but less than 10 gallons, and I'd gone 304.1 miles!

304.1 miles on 9 gallons of gas!

That's due to going 5 mph slower than the speed limit, using the vent more than air conditioning, and keeping the windows up. I drive rural and in town. In town, I tend to stick close to the speed limit, maybe 1 or 2 mph under. Sometimes I'm 6 mph or so under the speed limit on the "open road".

304.1 miles on 9 gallons.

I like that!

Natalie

**BetterLateThanNever** · 06-09-2008, 09:21 PM

Good Job! When I can I do drive about 5-10 mph under the speed limit. Just started so I can't tell you if it's helping. Unfortunately I have some highway driving into downtown Cleveland and if you don't do at least 60 mph you are going to get creamed. It amazes me how people gripe about gas but are unwilling to change their driving habits!

**ShawnaRae** · 06-09-2008, 09:27 PM

Awesome! I get about 400 miles off of 10 gallons of gas! So glad I have my economical car!

**Natalie** · 06-10-2008, 09:29 AM

I go home via the highway, speed limit is 65, most people are going about 70 (sometimes there's a really nutty one going 80 or better). I get on at about 65 so I don't get creamed, but then you can ease off to 60.

Natalie

**Russ** · 06-10-2008, 09:48 AM

keys to better mileage.
1. No jackrabbit starts. Take your time to get up to speed. If you have a tachometer that measures your rpm's keep it under 2000 rpm's through all the shifts.

2. Maintenance. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, tuneups done as per the mfg suggestion, air filters, O2 sensors going bad will also rob you of mileage.

3. Plan your trips to make the most out of them.

4. Coast up to the next light or stop sign. I make the decision on how far to coast based on people behind me. If there is nobody behind me I will cost a lot farther. Don't need somebody going road rage on me.

**YankeeMom** · 06-10-2008, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by rcannon

keys to better mileage.
1. No jackrabbit starts. Take your time to get up to speed. If you have a tachometer that measures your rpm's keep it under 2000 rpm's through all the shifts.

2. Maintenance. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, tuneups done as per the mfg suggestion, air filters, O2 sensors going bad will also rob you of mileage.

3. Plan your trips to make the most out of them.

4. Coast up to the next light or stop sign. I make the decision on how far to coast based on people behind me. If there is nobody behind me I will cost a lot farther. Don't need somebody going road rage on me.

I agree 10000% We do all of the above.

We found out the hard way about the O2 sensor last year. I mentioned to dh that all of a sudden the gas mileage went from 18-22mpg to 10-12mpg. He thought I was nuts. Took it to the shop and sho'nuff, it was the O2 sensor

**Buckeye5** · 06-10-2008, 10:11 AM

We can only go 210 miles on 10 gal of gas, yikes!!

**Greebo** · 06-10-2008, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Natalie

Last time, I'd put in 9 gallons. Today, I estimate that I'd used approximately 9 gallons, maybe a tad more, but less than 10 gallons, and I'd gone 304.1 miles!

What do you mean you estimate that you used ~9 gallons? If you filled up, the pump would tell you exactly how much you used, if you'd filled up last time.

I think 33 mpg is great, I'm just not sure on your method of calculation here...

**Frugal Nurse** · 06-10-2008, 10:47 AM

I just wanted to say... EXCELLENT!
and what the heck kind of car do you drive?

I'm curious too about the 'estimate' part.
Report back in when you fill up. I REALLY want to know the actual miles per gallon. It will give me something to strive for.

I'm not sure about this... but does the gas expand in hot weather... making is seem like there's more in the tank?

I'll leave it up to the villagers to research that. I'm doing my own different kind of research here. Gatta get back to doing that!

**Greebo** · 06-10-2008, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Frugal Nurse

I'm not sure about this... but does the gas expand in hot weather... making is seem like there's more in the tank?

I believe so. I recall reading something about a current movement to have gas pumps changed to measure by weight, not by volume, because when it's hot, you get less bang for your buck. (Literally)

**Saundra** · 06-10-2008, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by BetterLateThanNever

Good Job! When I can I do drive about 5-10 mph under the speed limit. Just started so I can't tell you if it's helping. Unfortunately I have some highway driving into downtown Cleveland and if you don't do at least 60 mph you are going to get creamed. It amazes me how people gripe about gas but are unwilling to change their driving habits!

That's exactly how I feel in downtown Nashville.

**Russ** · 06-10-2008, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Greebo

I believe so. I recall reading something about a current movement to have gas pumps changed to measure by weight, not by volume, because when it's hot, you get less bang for your buck. (Literally)

read about it here
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/gastips.asp

**Natalie** · 06-10-2008, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Greebo

What do you mean you estimate that you used ~9 gallons? If you filled up, the pump would tell you exactly how much you used, if you'd filled up last time.

I think 33 mpg is great, I'm just not sure on your method of calculation here...

Well, I think I used more than the 9 gallons put in at last fill up cause I could have filled up in my home town if I wanted to be closer to the same spot I was on the tank (this is a 97 Buick) as I was last fill up, but gas is about 10 cents higher in my home town than it is in the town I work in, so I squeezed in some more miles so I could get to a lower priced gas station, so it might have been about 9.25 gallons. (I don't like to let it get much below half.)

Natalie

**Natalie** · 06-10-2008, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by Frugal Nurse

I just wanted to say... EXCELLENT!
and what the heck kind of car do you drive?

I'm curious too about the 'estimate' part.
Report back in when you fill up. I REALLY want to know the actual miles per gallon. It will give me something to strive for.

I'm not sure about this... but does the gas expand in hot weather... making is seem like there's more in the tank?

I'll leave it up to the villagers to research that. I'm doing my own different kind of research here. Gatta get back to doing that!

I like to fill up in the morning. I heard you get more gas when the gas is cooler. Although it tends to be between 11 and 12 before I can get to the gas station anyway.

I put in 10.100 gallons this last time. Get it before the gas goes up another 10 cents tomorrow! Eeeks.

Natalie

**ukbb** · 06-10-2008, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Natalie

Last time, I'd put in 9 gallons. Today, I estimate that I'd used approximately 9 gallons, maybe a tad more, but less than 10 gallons, and I'd gone 304.1 miles!

304.1 miles on 9 gallons of gas!

33.8 mpg, not bad. Here is a blurb I found on the effects of alcohol on mpg.

*************

A recent study conducted by Harvard University found that the average
American walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study by the American Medical Association found that Americans
drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.

This means, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon.

Kind Of Makes Me Proud To Be An American

(Your mileage may vary)