Please help

[gasipper]

I have been searching around the forum for a while now, just signed up though.

I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant with 3.0l V6
Gas goes like theres a hole in the tank!

As a beginner, what can I do to increase the gas mileage of this hog? Already cleaned out the trunk and back except for the spare tire, which I may remove as well. Not sure what difference the 10lb or so tire would make...

I drive probably 85% highway. I havn't checked my mileage in a while but, low to mid 20's average

Always regular oil change, air filter checks, and tune ups.

I hope thats enough info for some help. Just ask if you want more, or more clear.....
Thanks Folks!

[Lazarus]

Welcome to the site. If you're doing a lot of highway head on over to the aero forum for ideas there. Slow down and you'll see a big increase in MPG's.

[Daox]

Hello and welcome to EM!

The first thing you can do is slow down. Wind resistance at highway speeds is a mpg killer. Usually a 5 mph reduction will get you around 8% increase in mileage. Combine that with other driving techniques will net you a lot more. Look at this page for more driving tips. You should also look into purchasing a scangauge as that will greatly help you fine tune your driving style. The next thing I'd look into would be aerodynamic mods, but driving techniques will be the #1 fuel saver.

[trikkonceptz]

Welcome from another newbie ... And they are right !!!

Originally Posted by Daox

Hello and welcome to EM!

The first thing you can do it slow down.

]

I dropped my speed on the hwy from 75 to 65 (Speed Limit) and saw a 8mpg upswing immeadiately, minor tweeks at this time and religious driving habit changes and in less than 2 months I'm up 10mpg and climbing.

I will admit though, for the habitual speeder it has been the most difficult thing I have had to do ... This month I am concentrating on eliminating drive thru's in order to save fuel in idle time ... I'll make the excuse that the extra walking to the counter will help with the dbl quarter pounder .. LOL

[JohnnyGrey]

Go on the Mitsu forum and offer the guys there a free V6 in exchange for installing their 4 banger in your car.

[gasipper]

Comparing the gas mileage on the V4 and V6 its only like 1 mpg difference...5 speed would be cool though =)

[LostCause]

The stickies in each forum will give you the best general overview, but the biggest and easiest changes will probably be:

1.) Drive between 45 and 55mph as often as possible.

Your torque converter usually locks up around 45mph, eliminating a significant amount of friction due to slipping. 55mph is generally the best compromise for speed, drag, and safety on the freeway.

2.) Use you brakes as rarely as possible.

Your brakes literally turn gas into heat, wasting energy that could be used to propel you forward.

3.) Pump up your tires to their maximum PSI.

Underinflated tires cause a large increase in rolling resistance due to excessive deformation. Radial tires shouldn't have the wear concerns many associate with high inflation pressure.

- LostCause

[DifferentPointofView]

High inflation pressure will reduce tire wear because of lessened heat and load on the tire.

Actually, The I4 will probably get you more than that. Those are based off of normal drivers. If I had a slightly smaller engine, I know I could be getting mid-upper 20's. You should be able to do much better than that with the V6 anyway. It's a 3.0, and it's more modern than mine, and I'm pulling 23's right now.

Drive 55, or if that's too "slow" for you drive 60, and no faster. after 60, your mileage drops like a rock. around 45-50 is best, but if you live near heavily populated areas, 55 is more like it, and don't pull the people will run you over if you drive too slow crap. If your driving in the right lane, people will just pull over into the left lane and pass. They don't just randomly run into slow drivers. Otherwise, there'd be a lot of wrecked cars from people hitting Semi's. Trust me, I've driven in and around the St. Louis area more than once, and there's 4 lanes to choose from. left people drive about 85+, and the right ones drive about 55-60. middle right is about 65-75, and middle left is about 75-85.

Drive only when you know the car will warm up all the way. you use a lot less fuel running the car warm (the o2 sensor doesn't run in open-loop, which is like having a faulty o2 sensor).

Keep a constant throttle on flat roads, Drive with load on hills and accelerate smoothly, and decelerate smoothly.

Those are just the simple tips. Hope you get better mpg's!