What can I do to improve the gas mileage on a '94 S-10 Blazer?

[KeyboardFreak]

Hey guys, I was hoping I could get some informed opinions here.

I commute 40 miles a day (round trip) to school in my '94 S-10 Blazer, so I really would like to get at least 20-22 MPG. At the moment, I've been getting about 16-17 MPG.

This weekend, I put in a fuel-system cleaner (a per-3000 one, not a per-tank - I think I used "Gum-Out") and I changed the oil (I used Pennzoil's standard oil, should I try something else next time?). I have yet to see if these two things will improve my gas mileage, but I'm sure there are other things I could also try.

Does anyone have any suggestions that might improve my gas mileage?

-Nate

[Doug000]

I don't know if you can get 20-22 mpg, but I can give you few suggestions that may improve your fuel economy a little bit. Here is the link to the EPA report on your fuel economy. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/11439.shtml

Depending on the climate where you live, you can use 5w-30 oil instead of the standard 10w-30. In fact Chevy started recommending this in the mid nineties in order to meet federal fuel economy guidelines.

Drive like there are eggs under your pedals...both gas and brake. Gently press the pedal, slow steady increases in speed and slow down early for your stops.

Slow down 5 mph (you will be surprised how much this helps).

Pick a route with the fewest starts/ stops. Don't go 15 extra miles to stay on the freeway, but if you can take a road that has stop lights instead of stop signs, there is a good chace you will not find every stop light red, but stop signs always require stops.

I am sure that you are familiar with most of these, but if you pay attention to these details, you will probably see a 1-2 mpg increase.

[KeyboardFreak]

Originally Posted by Doug000

Depending on the climate where you live, you can use 5w-30 oil instead of the standard 10w-30. In fact Chevy started recommending this in the mid nineties in order to meet federal fuel economy guidelines.

Done, although not intentionally.

I saw that the cap on my oil fill-tube said to use 5W-30, so that's what I used.

Drive like there are eggs under your pedals...both gas and brake. Gently press the pedal, slow steady increases in speed and slow down early for your stops.

Slow down 5 mph (you will be surprised how much this helps).

I try to do this as much as possible.

Pick a route with the fewest starts/ stops. Don't go 15 extra miles to stay on the freeway, but if you can take a road that has stop lights instead of stop signs, there is a good chace you will not find every stop light red, but stop signs always require stops.

This is harder 'cause there's really only one or two possible routes to school from my house.

I am sure that you are familiar with most of these, but if you pay attention to these details, you will probably see a 1-2 mpg increase.

Ok, coolness. I've actually already seen a .5 mpg increase... so I guess things are looking up.

Thanks!

-Nate

[custmguru]

make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. under inflated tires have an increased rolling resisitance which makes it harder to get them rolling.

[candywrapper]

Keyboardfreak;
I have a 99 S-10 Blazer,This is what i did to get better gas milage.
Go buy a K-N Air filter, price 30 to 50 dollars.this will help your vehicle breathe easier,thus getting better fuel milage. Advance Auto sells them and Auto Zone also
Next use Mobile 1 synthetic oil 5w30 or whatever your Blazer calls for.
I also put on a 7000 mile oil filter. You should be able to run more miles on an oil change,but keep checking the oil after 3000 miles to make sure it doesnt get too dirty. I plan on putting on around 6000 miles before i plan on changing it.
I started at 16 to 18 MPG, Now get around 22 to 23 MPG.This method is a little expencive but well worth it in the long run. The oil is around 22 dollars for a 5 quort jug at Walmarts. The 7000 mile oil filter is 10 dollars ,also at Walmarts. The air filter is a lifetime filter and you wont ever have to buy another.
The changes ive seen is great. Better Accellerations, easier starts,and better fuel MPG,s . I have 54000 miles on my truck.Now if you have any oil leaks (using oil between oil changes) I most probly wouldnt use Synthetic OIl.If your blazer doesnt use oil,it should be okey,
This is what I did, and this is the improvements that I got.
You will have to decide what you want to do.The decision is yours

Don