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I'm new , my ride is 2003 Windstar, My last mileage check was 17 in town and 22 hi-way.
These results came not knowing tire pressure, with average driving techniques. I am planning a trip to San Diego at the end of the month. The whole family is going so weight will be a big factor. I would like to learn all I can before then to see if I can improve my MPG despite the excess baggage. All suggestions are appreciated:)

Old Skool

Drrve slow and you will spend less on gas. 55 MPH the whole way. You will be amazed at the increase in Fe.

There's always drafting

2nd the drive slow.
Air tires to max sidewall.
Change to lowest recommended oil viscosity and use synthetics.
Install clean air filter.
Fresh spark plugs (if they are due/overdue)
Clean the intake body and throttle valve.
Get a ScanGauge so you can monitor your efficiency in real time. Do this early and get it calibrated first.

Drafting is only a prudent option if we're talking about a Distant Draft while still keeping a safe distance. IMHO finding and keeping a suitable target and maintaining spacing on that target is no way to relax and enjoy a long drive... Better to slow down to the lowest speed you can use while not impeding (legal) traffic. You may be surprised at how many people these days don't seem to mind backing off the speed a bit behind you.. I think more and more they actually appreciate that they are saving fuel by doing so.

Please don't consider following any closer than 2-3 seconds behind another vehicle just to save fuel. It's never worth the trade off in safety, and you'll get roughly the same results or better just by slowing down 10 mph or so.

Another Question...
How do you tell you have filled your tank to the same level?
(at $4.49 I can't wait till my feet are wet)
A million thanks to those who have given me feedback your tips are greatly appreciated...
Old Skool

There's always drafting

We don't recommend drafting here. It is not worth the risk. Chen you should know this.

2nd the drive slow.
Air tires to max sidewall.
Change to lowest recommended oil viscosity and use synthetics.
Install clean air filter.
Fresh spark plugs (if they are due/overdue)
Clean the intake body and throttle valve.
Get a ScanGauge so you can monitor your efficiency in real time. Do this early and get it calibrated first.

Drafting is only a prudent option if we're talking about a Distant Draft while still keeping a safe distance. IMHO finding and keeping a suitable target and maintaining spacing on that target is no way to relax and enjoy a long drive... Better to slow down to the lowest speed you can use while not impeding (legal) traffic. You may be surprised at how many people these days don't seem to mind backing off the speed a bit behind you.. I think more and more they actually appreciate that they are saving fuel by doing so.

Please don't consider following any closer than 2-3 seconds behind another vehicle just to save fuel. It's never worth the trade off in safety, and you'll get roughly the same results or better just by slowing down 10 mph or so.

This is good advice. A distant draft is not drafting it is following at a safe distance. We come up with a term to replace distand draft.

We don't recommend drafting here. It is not worth the risk. Chen you should know this.



This is good advice. A distant draft is not drafting it is following at a safe distance. We come up with a term to replace distand draft.

Well that's what I meant. I know there's a scale there, where effectiveness goes up while safety goes down the closer you get. But the principle is the same, so if you don't want to call it drafting, then be my guest.

OLDSKOOL'
Welcome.
1) Jack your tire pressure to max on sidewall-usually low 40's.
2) Use Syn oil in the lowest viscosity your owner's manual recommends- usually 5w-30
3) If you aren't P&Ging on long trips, then use your cruise control. You will want to turn the cruise control off when you go uphill. Just glide up allowing your speed to drop about 10 mph. Of course, you will have to use some throttle, but don't maintain your speed going uphill. Many folks here don't use cc, but it is better than your foot if you are trying to hold a steady speed.
4) NEVER CARRY ANYTHING ON THE ROOF. If you have extra stuff, then use a hitch carrier.

Luck,
Charlie

Many thanks to all...
Going out tomorrow to try what I've learned up to this point...
-set on tire pressure
-be patient
-drive sloooooow
-be safe

Old Skool

There's always drafting

i agree if you have a pack ,run with them

There's always drafting

no, there's not.:mad:

no, there's not.:mad:

you don't have to be nose to tail to get a help

no, there's not.:mad:

Why are you givin' me the mad face?

Why are you givin' me the mad face?

because we have several threads going on right now discussing the dangers of drafting, and throwing out the suggestion of simply drafting is going to start that entire discussion again. let's just not call it an option, and keep things simple.