Test your M.P.G. IQ

[Chuck]

To test your knowledge, here is a quiz about improving your mileage and spending less on gas.

Gregory Karp - CHICAGOTRIBUNE - May 24, 2009

Obviously, there are parts of this test there will be disagreement on, but mostly correct --Ed.

Excerpts:

-- The No. 1 way to save is to change your driving habits.

True. This tip blows away all the others. On the highway, try driving at 55-60 m.p.h. Every 5 m.p.h. over 60 m.p.h. is like paying an extra 25 cents per gallon, according to government estimates. Even on a lengthy commute, driving faster gets you there only a few minutes sooner.

-- It's wise to use hypermiling techniques.

Maybe. It depends on the definition of hypermiling, which generally refers to trying to exceed a vehicle's fuel-economy rating. Diehards try to exceed ratings by 50 percent or more. But some tactics are dangerous or illegal, such as driving 45 m.p.h. on the highway, turning the ignition key off when coasting, ignoring red lights at empty intersections or tailgating a big rig for drafting benefits. But the techniques will improve gas mileage. See CleanMPG.com for safe hypermiling techniques.... [Read More]

[jkp1187]

I was surprised at this:

-- Replace dirty air filters.

False. This is a common tip, but it's not true anymore. A February study commissioned by the Department of Energy concluded that a clogged air filter "has no significant effect" on fuel economy of newer, fuel-injected vehicles. Separate tests by Consumer Reports found the same thing. A dirty filter does affect acceleration performance.

And nice plug for Wayne/CleanMPG at the end.

[drimportracing]

Posted a comment. - Dale

[jimepting]

I thought it was a pretty good article, for the average non-hypermiling driver. For example, cruise control probably does work best for most drivers. But I thought that the words on tire pressure were incorrect. Pressing up tires to the max load number certainly improves FE if my own testing is any indicator.

[Damionk]

I posted a comment as well noting the drafting and running lights mentioned at the end.

[MT bucket]

At least they are sending people that are interested to the right place!

[msantos]

Beautiful article... and I especially love the emphasis on safety without giving in to fuel economy mediocrity.
This has always been a contentious issue but as we know, safety and good fuel efficient driving behavior need not be mutually exclusive.

Awesome

Cheers;

[Earthling]

-- Use cruise control, even around town.

True. In its tests, Edmunds.com, dubbed this the most surprising finding. It showed up to 14 percent savings. An exception is driving in a mountainous area, where cruise control might use more gas to keep a constant speed going up hills than if you controlled speed.

False! I am getting more into pulse and glide around town, and being rewarded for it.

Harry