need help with fuel economy

[12Ounce]

Good advice Raflores.

But we can't ignor "zero miles". We must take advantage of every opportunity to kill the engine to avoid the long periods of idling because, during standing/idling, fuel is still being consumed.

Some examples:

If a train has us held up at an crossing intersection. Shut the engine down.

Instead of standing abd idlilng at the bank or restaurant drive-thru ... park and go inside.

Avoid morning engine warm-ups. Its better to drive away slowly upon start-up.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by raflores

I think that the zero miles is getting nowhere. Let keep talking about the fuel economy and how can we increase it.

If we drive slower, let say we do 55mph everyday and we reduce the speed to 50mph or even 45mph it will take us a little longer to get there but it will be increasing the mpg. The van has a huge frontal area that does friction with air and the faster were going this increases the resistance making the engine demand more fuel.

I think that about 30 years ago the accepted optimum speed for fuel economy for a typical vehicle was 55mph. (In fact US highway speeds were all cjhnaged to 55 for a while in the 70's) However all cars have different coefficients of friction so that particular ot apply to Windstars. Most modern vehicles have 4 gears now (and did not 30 years ago) and that may affect the optimum speed

If we accept that 55 is the optimum speed then driving slower will not increase fuel economy. Nor will driving faster. The whole concept of optimum speed is the point at which the wind resistance, RPMs and engine load combine for the best possible combination. If one drives slower they will have less resistance but they may only be in 3rd gear instead of 4th or they will be at a different RPM that loads the engine less efficiently. This is why manufacturers cannot simply add gears to increase fuel economy at 80 mph or so becasue the vehciles would get to a point where the engines work too hard even though the RPMs are low.

Having said all that I think you make a good point in that driving at speeds such as 70 MPH is not an efficient speed. Keep the vehicle around 55 - 60 and you will obtain good economy and decent time (another trade off). Constant speed is helpful too as a vehicle uses more fuel accelerating then at constant RPM.

[dandi]

The best things you can do for fuel economy are the basics -

1) Accelerate slowly up to speed.
2) Anticipate traffic, lights, turns, etc., to try and maintain a constant speed as much as possible. Use cruise control on the highway.
3) Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
4) Do oil changes every 3,000 miles to keep the engine properly lubricated.
5) Check and clean your air filter on a regular basis.
6) Don't let the car idle for extended periods of time.
7) Use the A/C when on the highway instead of opening windows, creating drag.
8) Keep the engine in tune.
9) Don't set your mileage expectations high! It's a big heavy car with a smallish engine and a lot of frontal area.

Do all this and you'll get your 15 mpg around town, 19 on the highway!

Dan D

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by dandi

The best things you can do for fuel economy are the basics -

1) Accelerate slowly up to speed.
2) Anticipate traffic, lights, turns, etc., to try and maintain a constant speed as much as possible. Use cruise control on the highway.
3) Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
4) Do oil changes every 3,000 miles to keep the engine properly lubricated.
5) Check and clean your air filter on a regular basis.
6) Don't let the car idle for extended periods of time.
7) Use the A/C when on the highway instead of opening windows, creating drag.
8) Keep the engine in tune.
9) Don't set your mileage expectations high! It's a big heavy car with a smallish engine and a lot of frontal area.

Do all this and you'll get your 15 mpg around town, 19 on the highway!

Dan D

# 7 is a good one and one that many have a hard time believing. But it is true.


If you use Canadian (imperial) type gallons you can increase a couple of MPGs....................... LOL

[baumbr]

As long as we're on fuel saving techniques:
Use the cruise control when you can do so safely;
Avoid jack rabbit starts and hard stops;
Many times taking your foot off the gas is as good as punching the brake;
Don't rest a foot on the brake pedal;
Look and plan well ahead for lane changes, exits, etc. so that you don't have to punch it or brake it to get into your lane, exit, etc.;
Watch for that idiot up there who is about to do something stupid and cause you to make a panic maneuver - stay in a zone where you can take it easy;
And like raflores said, slow down.

Now what good technology is out there to improve our vans MPG's?