Need Advice on 2008 Kia Rondo

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by ISV-2K8Rondo

What I haven't taken out is the (a) the spare tire and (b) the roof rack, though I did get a can of Fix-A-Flat.

I'd rather use a skinny spare tyre instead of having to rely only in a can of Fix-A-Flat, but if you feel comfortable getting rid of the spare go for it. BTW which is the skinniest tyre size you could use in the Rondo? Usually LRR tyres are kinda skinny...

[ISV-2K8Rondo]

We have gotten weather more representative of September in Ohio, so I've been able to trim (though not eliminate) the amount of time I've had to use the A/C. I'm due to refuel in the next day or so to see the results. Early indications are a small, but noticeable, improvement in fuel economy.

Since I started coasting to lights and DWL, I've boosted my usual 22 mpg to 26.3 and 26.9 mpg the past two tanks. Early indications are 27 - 27.5 mpg with this tank, but we'll see. Those numbers for my mixed-driving commute were science-fiction for me just a month ago! Goes to show--adjust the nut behind the wheel for the biggest improvement.

Sadly, my fuel economy is likely to drop soon. I don't remember the exact date, but Ohio introduces the "winter gas" sometime in the fall. I start noticing a drop in fuel economy starting in October. When I was getting 22-23 mpg in the summer months, I was getting 19-20 mpg in the dead of winter. Some of that is the winter gas, though I suspect a lot of that is that I kept the car outdoors. I now have an attached garage, so this will hopefully help.

--Phil

[ISV-2K8Rondo]

I ended up at 27.4 mpg for this past tank, 25% above the EPA combined rating for this vehicle, and a small improvement over the previous two tanks. Reduced A/C usage apparently did the trick. There was very little difference in the blend of city/hwy miles in the last three tanks of gas. My next mission is getting the OEM roof rack off (or at least the cross beams), which is looking to be more of a pain than I originally envisioned.

--Phil

[Daox]

You should definitely start a fuel log here to track your mileage. Just click the 'garage' link up top.

[ISV-2K8Rondo]

Daox,

I just started up a fuel log.

Any other 2006-2008 Rondo drivers out there?

--Phil

[ISV-2K8Rondo]

Ended up whacking the rack--cross beams are now off the car.

One question--how do you put that green Ecomodder fuel log summary in your signature?

--Phil