First Gen xB: Initial results after smooth wheel covers, LRR tires: 43mpg!

[brickinthewind]

After 3 tanks and an increase from a 38mpg average to a 43mpg average, and after making a spreadsheet based on gas prices of $3.80, I'm going to say that these two mods not only pay for themselves (over normal tires) but the tires+$80 wheel covers (if they don't fall off) are completely free over a 65k treadife. (Tires were about $100 and then there was mounting and balancing ($50 rebate, now up to $160 ) Sentra SE-R's taller tires are definitely worth looking into as well, though.

There are always variables out of our control, but I am using essentially the same hypermiling techniques as when I got 38mpg, and there was definitely some stop and go freeway traffic in these 3 tanks where I could not EOC. The only very slight mod to my driving has been EOCing occasionally to stoplights when I know I won't need the engine for >30 secs, and parking lot EOC to a stop. That and stop and go traffic probably cancel each other out, or at least enough to where I feel confident that these mods are essentially free.

I also calculated the fuel savings of all my hypermiling over EPA estimates in general and I'm saving almost $10k over 200k miles at a $3.80 (conservative) gas price estimate. Essentially driving my way to a new economy car. Take that to the nonbelievers in hypermiling!

[NeilBlanchard]

They also squeak... try driving with the windows down.

[SentraSE-R]

I'm retired, so just PM me when you've got some time to spare. Might be worth it to you to raise the level of your game. I might pick up something from your technique, Kiwi, & iPad apps, too. Hypermiling is relaxation & a hobby to me, so I'm wringing out that extra 6 mpg over your efforts. Engine is off at stoplights >7 seconds, I P&G most of the time, rigged up a kill switch, etc.

My last trip to Reno, I only got 41.9 mpg eastbound, and 51.2 mpg on the return, but that return tank included 300 miles of local driving, which is inherently higher mpg driving. You're doing excellently for driving a brick on wheels!

[Sammydad1]

Hi,

Just joined up here tonite....saw some references over at ScionLife and ClubXB....

Have my new headers ordered....gotta check my tires again, they seem to leak air faster than I would like; the nitrogen didn't impact that either...

I have been averaging about 30 MPG per tank so if I can get it up towards 35 MPG, that would be awesome....

Sammydad1 (Dave)

[SentraSE-R]

Welcome, Dave. AT or manual? 35 mpg is easy with MT, harder with AT (assuming you're driving a 1G xB).

[Sammydad1]

Hi,

My box is a MT....wouldn't be half as fun to drive
as an AT.... 8-)

I also ordered the wiper switch mod from a Vibe
altho I'll need the money from my gas savings
to pay for it ($35)...

[SentraSE-R]

I've got a mpg thread on ClubxB under userid BestmpgxB. Search for 554 mile tank in the title, or find any post from BestmpgxB there, and click on the 1000 km link in the signature. I think in 70+ fill-ups, I only have one that's under 40 mpg. Certainly there's only one under 35 mpg.

[Nonhog]

Originally Posted by Sammydad1

the wiper switch mod from a Vibe
($35)...

What is the wiper switch mod?

I just started driving our XB now that my wife takes the train.
Anyone have pictures of taller tires (195/65-15) on stock steel wheels?
Due for tires soon and will consider options.

[Sammydad1]

The wiper switch swap gives you 4 or 5 intermittent front wiper speeds instead of the lame one speed intermittent the xB oem stalk gives.

[Nonhog]

Originally Posted by Sammydad1

The wiper switch swap gives you 4 or 5 intermittent front wiper speeds instead of the lame one speed intermittent the xB oem stalk gives.

Have a part#? or year Vibe.

Have Moon style screw on covers yet to install.
Thinking about a grill block.
My XB is all stock and I was getting about 30 commute and 33 freeway with my ATM.
Best tank I've had was 38. It was a one time slow lane 55 mph deal. I-5
Too nerve racking for me going that slow.