Tips on Extending Your Range Between Fill Ups
Over on the Toyota Open Road Blog, there is an article titled Thoughts on Fuel Economy: How to Stretch a Gallon of Gasoline. The article discusses strategies on getting the most mileage out a gallon of gasoline.
Considering that the vehicles most of us tend to drive are not the most fuel efficient once we add the needed gear and accessories to enjoy our adventures, there are some useful tips that can help us extend the range between fill ups of fuel.
The number one method to increase your fuel mileage is by slowing down.
“Aerodynamic drag, a by-product of speed, costs fuel to overcome. The amount of drag your vehicle generates is not linear – it does not increase at the same rate as your vehicle’s speed does. Instead, drag is more or less proportional to the square of speed. It increases exponentially.”
Fuel mileage tests I’ve conducted on the family 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee (5.2L V8) has shown me that at 70 mph, the Cherokee gets 14 mpg. By just slowing down to 65 mph, the mileage increases to 17 mpg (this is based on the onboard computer system readout).
Consider my Land Cruiser. From the factory it was not very aerodynamic to speak of. Then I add larger mud tires, an ARB bumper, running boards, roof rack, winch, lights, etc. not to mention the additional weight of tools, recovery gear, spare parts and fluids, and camping gear, etc. My best bet to extend the range of my fuel tank is probably to slow it down a bit (my underpowered 3FE motor forces me to anytime I come to a hill).
Additional tips discussed in the article include:
- Use your vehicle’s cruise control
- Check the inflation of your vehicle’s tires.
- Slow down for hills (not a problem in my Land Cruiser).
- Connect your vehicle’s gas pedal to your brain.
- When it’s time to slow down or stop, get off of the gas as soon as you can.
- Keep your vehicle’s windows rolled up
- Resist the urge to tow or to use a roof rack or a rooftop container for extra gear (I’m screwed).
Even though my Land Cruiser doesn’t get very good fuel mileage, the little things listed above may make the difference between getting 10 mpg and 14 mpg or an additional 75-100 miles between fill ups.
Read more at Thoughts on Fuel Economy: How to Stretch a Gallon of Gasoline.