How to improve gas mileage?

[ALL BOY]

I just purchased a 1994 Geo Metro in good shape. I would like to get my Highway MPG up to what it should be getting. I'm getting 42 now. What are some things I can do to improve my MPG on this 1.0L?

[geojim]

Automatic or manual transmission?

In general: slow down and drive easier, keep it tuned-up (plugs, dist cap & rotor, air cleaner, wires, PCV, etc), fuel injector cleaner in gas tank every so often, keep tires inflated on the high side, remove extra weight like toolboxes or mother-in-law, check each wheel to make sure the brakes are not dragging, only go down hill.

It's a good little car if you don't abuse it.

[ALL BOY]

Its a manual Transmission. This Metro has about 145,000 miles on it. I have done all the basic tune up stuff you mentioned. How much do you loose on emmision problems? I know it needs a new 02 sensor, and the EGR valve cleaned. Will this help?

[geojim]

I know others may differ on this, but I have not seen any direct effect on mileage based on the condition of the EGR or O2 sensor. I now clean the EGR and its passages at every oil change, but it was blocked for a long time.

The O2 was changed at 300K miles for the first time so I didn't see that it really mattered. I live in WV where we don't have emissions testing. That's probably where it really comes into play.

My '93 currently has 331K miles on it and gets 40-45 mpg in the Winter and 45-50 mpg in the Summer. A lot of stop-and-go traffic, heavy footed driving or use of the A/C will drag these numbers down.

[stamar]

I noticed much better gas mileage in the summer, especially in the heat. On sort of a flat across desert trip I got over 50 mpg, a lot over.

The gas mileage is best when youre not giving it much gas its pretty simple.

I think maximum hwy mileage I got when I was recording it was at around 55 mph as well.

mine is a 94 as well, it has about 125k miles.

more than any other car though my geo gets great around town mileage. meaning for me it actually gets around 40 mpg around town. It reaches operating temperature so quickly.

[irwinx]

The only time the O2 sensor will affect gas mileage is when it is broken. The most notable symptom, will be the sudden change of your car into a SUV like 18mpg gas drinker. There will also be the dreaded "engine check" light...

[bambambam]

42 isn't bad at all for a 12 year-old car! Sure its not fifty but its still twice as good as all those SUVs and Duallies taking up space on the interstate.

[ALL BOY]

your correct, 42 MPG is great. Dont get me wrong. I'm not compkaining. But, if this car can get 49 MPG.....well that presents a challenge to me. And everyone loves a good challenge....dont they?