01 Altima

[guy_mu1]

Hi,

My '01 altima GXE is giving around 25 mileage per gallon on freeways. It has 87000 mileage. Is this mpg lower than the other 01 altimas? I have heard that old altimas are not good in mpg. I love this car, but with the high gas prices I want to know if I can increase my car's gas mileage.

Somebody told me that spark plug can make your car's gas mileage lower. Is it true? How frequently should we change the spark plug?

Similarly how frequently should we change the air filter?

Thanks in advance...

[hank2]

I have an '01 GLE Altima since new and your highway gas mileage is the same I have experienced. I have similar mileage as your's, about 81k. I have an automatic with lockup torque converter. In local driving, not heavy stop and go, I have almost never been able to top about 23 mpg. It colder weather it's more like 20 to 22. Extra easy drivng seems to make little or no difference. I have hit 27 and 28 mpg a few times on long interstate trips.

I have heard that the 205- 55 -16 tires on my GLE are known for reducing mileage from the standard 15 inch model. ( 195-65-15 ??). A friend has a 2000 Altima with standard 15 inch wheels/tires and a manual trans. He does a bit better than me in local driving and easily hits 30 on interstates. I used to run 35 psi in tires, but found that lower pressure, about 32-33 front and 31 rear gave much better even tire wear and best handling. At least with my tire size. I had a reputable tire shop tell me the same thing. I think that Nissan specs about 31 front and 29 rear.

I replaced the plugs, distributor cap and rotor around 70k. They're supposed to go about 103k or something like that, but I don't really buy that. Not for optimum running, anyhow. None of the parts were completely trashed, but worn enough for replacement. My gas mileage picked up a bit after the ignition parts were replaced. I think about 12-15k for an air filter change is about right.

I used to use premium fuel, 92-93 pump octane around here. Since prices went crazy the last year, I have switched to mid grade 89. I have repeated the results many times in getting about 10 to 15 % better mileage with the premium. I suspect ( but do not know for a fact) that Nissans must have pretty generous ignition advance limits if the knock sensor doesn't reel it in.
I had the same results with a couple of early 90's Sentra SE-R's I used to own. Those Sr20DE engines were great and easily turned in 36 mpg highway with manual.

The 2.4 is really an old rear drive Nissan truck and 240SX engine adapted to be inexpensive front drive Altima power. ( '93-'01) It's a solid and tough engine, but not the last word in powerful, efficient design. Reading of all the problems with the newer 2.5 Altima engines in the 2002, on, I am glad I have the old 2.4
That is, if I don't get the dreaded leaking intake manifold gasket!
I'd go with new plugs, etc. and airfilter if it needs it. Likely you will pick up some mileage.
Good luck, hank2

[JoeShmoe]

Proper alignment and rotation of the tires also help out a lot.

[methodmix]

I previously posted a thread on hypermiling (i.e. obtaining the best possible fuel economy on your vehicle). Here's the thread link: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=760761

Without knowing specifics on your driving style and specifics on how your vehicle is maintained, it's hard for me to speculate on why you only get 25 mpg.

I have a 2000 Altima GLE and notice that my highway mileage is highly variable depending on a variety of factors.

(1) The ambient outside temperature plays a huge role in maintaining the proper operating temperature for your engine; true, colder air in your intake has a greater density of oxygen which mixes with your fuel for added compression; however, with colder temperatures your engine must compensate by working harder to maintain it's ideal operating temperature, especially at highway speeds as increased airflow acts to cool your engine.

(2) The speed you cruise at is typically the most influential. EPA tests have shown that fuel economy drops dramatically when speeds are in excess of 60 mph. If you can recall, the EPA rating for your Altima is 28 mpg for the highway, but what you may not know is that this rating only applies to a max speed of 60 mph on a flat and level surface.

(3) Tire pressure, as another member pointed out, is also a crucial element. Higher tire pressure translates to lower rolling resistance (LRR) which less work required by your engine to maintain a constant speed.

(4) Hilly terrain can work against your fuel economy unless you learn how to make it work in your favor. In other words, when driving up-hill, maintain constant throttle pressure (your speed will drop somewhat since you are fighting gravity) which will yield little change in fuel economy and slightly let off on the gas pedal as you coast back down the other side of the hill (you should notice a slight increase back to your desired cruising speed); once level, maintain constant throttle pressure until reaching your next hill and repeat the previous steps.

(5) A properly maintained vehicle is always important. Spark plugs in the Altimas are platinum, and shouldn't need to be replaced until at least 100k. I'm assuming the distributor cap and such are expected to last even longer (check your manual to be sure). Frequent oil changes with the proper oil and oil level is always a good idea. I use Mobil 1 10w30 full synthetic, which lasts about 7500 miles; Conventional oil should be replaced at the end of 3 months or 3750 miles, whichever is first. Air filters are typically 20k miles. Fuel filters are also at about 20k miles. O2 filters and PVC valves may go bad, but your service engine light should pop on if this occurs.

(6) Finally the obvious. Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Everything in excess of 50 pounds may significantly contribute to a decrease in fuel economy.

Hope this helps!

[guy_mu1]

Thanks a lot guys for your helps...
I guess I need to change the air filter now. I will see if that will help. My car's mileage is almost 89K now. I will change the spark plug too and will see if that will help.

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by hank2

I have an '01 GLE Altima since new and your highway gas mileage is the same I have experienced. I have similar mileage as your's, about 81k. I have an automatic with lockup torque converter. In local driving, not heavy stop and go, I have almost never been able to top about 23 mpg. It colder weather it's more like 20 to 22. Extra easy drivng seems to make little or no difference. I have hit 27 and 28 mpg a few times on long interstate trips. Good luck, hank2

I have a 98 se with 163k miles and get about the same mileage as Hank2. I installed Bosch plugs without any change. I expected better highways miles with a 4 cyl. My 2.8 v6 Olds got 32 mpg highway.
I increased my tire pressure to 33 psi, I think 29 is too low. With recent temperatures in the low teens in my neck of the woods mileage estimates are useless.