How did I get better gas mileage?

@reinydawn (11642)
United States
June 26, 2009 6:03am CST
I honestly don't know! I keep a pretty good eye on how many miles I drive on a tank of gas. When I first got my Xterra, I got about 18-19 mpg. Then in the last year or so (it's 5 years old) I was only getting around 16 mpg. Yesterday it looked like I had driven more miles than normal on a tank of gas and when I filled it up, I found I was getting over 19 mpg. I don't know why because I've gone back to my old way of driving - at least 5 miles over the speed limit. That's supposed to be worse on the gas, but it's proving to be better for me! Is this just me or is anyone else getting better gas mileage for no reason?
1 person likes this
3 responses
saundyl
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
29 Jun 09
Have you had an oil change or changed your tires recently. Tires make a big difference. So does an oil change i noticed. Its possible too that your car was broken in at the 5 miles over the speed limit and that it works best there now.
1 person likes this
reinydawn
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
30 Jun 09
Everything's been the same. The only thing is that for a year or so I slowed down to the speed limit, and lately I've been driving faster again. Of course that defies everything I've been hearing, they all say drive slower to save gas...
1 person likes this
saundyl
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
30 Jun 09
That is sooo odd!
1 person likes this
peavey
@peavey (16936)
• United States
20 Jul 09
The only other thing I can think of (besides what other posters have said) is the gas. If you used a different brand OR type (more or less octane, ethanol, etc.), that can make a real difference, but sometimes the same gas will be better than at other times. I don't know why, though.
1 person likes this
reinydawn
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
25 Jul 09
I just think it's kinda funny because they always say to drive slower to get better gas mileage. Apparently, it's the opposite for me! I use the same grade of gas, almost always buy at the same place... I just took a trip and averaged 18 mpg, doing about 80 mph most of the time. I was driving 65 mph and getting 16 mpg... Odd...
suzzy3
@suzzy3 (8341)
•
1 Jul 09
My husband drives for a living an hgv driver and he has lessons on saving fuel.They told him not to use the brakes but slow down with the accelorater,travel at a steady rate not changing speed,switch off in traffic.Avoid speeding away from the lights.He has driven an hgv for over thirty years and they gave him a lesson in reversing the other month.It makes you laugh does it not.I don't drive myself but I thought passing on these tips might be of some help in saving your fuel.
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reinydawn
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
3 Jul 09
I have heard most of those before, and do try to actually do most of that...