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Author	Topic: --- Reduction of Drag to Increase Fuel Economy --- I Need Suggestions ---	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 12:31:17 AM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Hey all, I would like suggestions and opinions about reducing drag on my car to get better gas mileage. Or any other ideas that people may have to increase my fuel economy. I already do the following to maximize my fuel economy: I drive no more than 50mph(80kmh). I anticipate lights and stop signs. I dont start aggressively. I keep my tires at 42-43psi (44psi is max on my tires). I make sure my oil is topped up, and changed regularly. I currently get 48mpg (4.9 liters/100kms) Please dont suggest things that are extremely unsafe or illegal (aka removing my wipers) Check out www.aerocivic.com to get a better idea of what I am talking about......... Visit my Fuelly.com page to see my fuel mileage log for my car. Here are some pictures of my car if anyone cares, lol.

Darlo

All-Star Author
British Columbia

Posts:627
Points:23,530
Joined:Jun 2008

Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 12:31:17 AM

Ignore Darlo Report Abuse

Hey all, I would like suggestions and opinions about reducing drag on my car to get better gas mileage. Or any other ideas that people may have to increase my fuel economy.

I already do the following to maximize my fuel economy:

I drive no more than 50mph(80kmh).
I anticipate lights and stop signs.
I dont start aggressively.
I keep my tires at 42-43psi (44psi is max on my tires).
I make sure my oil is topped up, and changed regularly.
I currently get 48mpg (4.9 liters/100kms)

Please dont suggest things that are extremely unsafe or illegal (aka removing my wipers)

Check out www.aerocivic.com to get a better idea of what I am talking about.........

Visit my Fuelly.com page to see my fuel mileage log for my car.

Here are some pictures of my car if anyone cares, lol.

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 11, 2010 4:41:52 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse You should really look things up before you post! These tires are totally fine running 40-44psi all year long, with no adverse affects. Thanks for your concern though, but lets try and stick to the topic! Thanks
DasAuto92 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,449 Points:175,645 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Oct 10, 2010 1:29:32 PM Ignore DasAuto92 Report Abuse You don't need anymore suggestions.May i recoomend a car DOCTOR.....6-333-4357 or NEED HELP! OK as for the tire pressure.You guys that fill up to almost the max are nuts! Your tires are not doing the job. If i was running in the Bonneville Salts for a record ok, but realize your putting to much pressure on your rims. The tires should not exceed the maufacturers suggeted tire pressure to ensure a safe smooth ride.Adding more to the tires will increase wear in the middle of tire and if you have ALUMINUM RIMS adding 42 lbs pressure will surly crack the rims as they are absorbing all the punishment of your driving, not the tires.So if you have time to try to improve your mileage try calling the tire manufacturers for facts.I rest my case!
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 9, 2010 4:22:28 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse wow! no other suggestions?
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 6, 2010 2:32:06 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Those are indeed good suggestions. What about some suggestions to reduce drag?
frugalshopper Sophomore Author Syracuse Posts:203 Points:27,860 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Oct 5, 2010 7:57:47 PM Ignore frugalshopper Report Abuse Keep your engine tuned up! Keep your tire pressure up, and consolidate trips.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 5, 2010 5:15:26 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Actually if you research these tires, they can consistently run at 42-45 psi without issue, and without abnormal tire wear. You should look it up! Also, it is not "a few pennies" that I will be saving. If my tire pressure is only 30 psi, I will decrease my fuel economy by 10%-15%, which in my case is about $20-$30 a month. AND...... even if there where ANY abnormal tire wear or blow-outs (which there are not), I would have to replace one tire every 6 weeks to break even on the gas that I save! (Tires are only $31 each!) Thanks though for the suggestion on the house, I am also in the process of doing that!
geezer Champion Author Albany Posts:21,318 Points:3,070,845 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Oct 5, 2010 8:21:47 AM Ignore geezer Report Abuse Well, putting that much air in your tires might help save a few pennies on gas, but it'll be more offset by the amount of money you'll spend by wearing those tires out more quickly. Inflating them that close to the tires limits is inviting problems, too. On a hot day, especially on a long trip, you're exceeding the tires capabilities and risking blowout. also, your car's ride suffers. My advice? Forget this obsession with wringing out a few cents at the pump and concentrate your efforts in another area, like buttoning up your house to save on heat.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 4, 2010 1:14:34 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Doesnt really help to repeat the question.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 2, 2010 7:04:14 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse what the heck was the point of that ipedraz?
ipedraz35 Rookie Author San Bernardino Posts:12 Points:26,725 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 2, 2010 6:52:33 PM Ignore ipedraz35 Report Abuse Hey all, I would like suggestions and opinions about reducing drag on my car to get better gas mileage. Or any other ideas that people may have to increase my fuel economy. I already do the following to maximize my fuel economy: I drive no more than 50mph(80kmh). I anticipate lights and stop signs. I dont start aggressively. I keep my tires at 42-43psi (44psi is max on my tires). I make sure my oil is topped up, and changed regularly. I currently get 48mpg (4.9 liters/100kms) Please dont suggest things that are extremely unsafe or illegal (aka removing my wipers) Check out to get a better idea of what I am talking about......... Visit my page to see my fuel mileage log for my car.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 2, 2010 6:41:44 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse So I just put tape on the wheel wells, and I am excited to see an improvement. You can see some picks of the tape job at my PHOTOBUCKET account [Edited by: Darlo at 10/2/2010 6:42:04 PM EST]
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 1, 2010 7:23:21 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Yes, that does help, but sometimes it is too hot!
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,908 Points:2,054,930 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Oct 1, 2010 9:07:54 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Keep your windows up.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 1, 2010 2:58:13 AM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse So thats it hey? no suggestions?
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2010 11:43:37 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse "Your lucky to have such a car i forgot what they looked like." Thanks! I saw it on Craigslist and I knew I had to buy it! I knew it would get good gas mileage, but didnt know how good. I am very impressed, but I want MORE! haha Not sure why this posted twice? sorry <font size="1"></font> [Edited by: Darlo at 9/28/2010 11:45:10 PM EST]
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2010 11:43:33 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse "Your lucky to have such a car i forgot what they looked like." Thanks! I saw it on Craigslist and I knew I had to buy it! I knew it would get good gas mileage, but didnt know how good. I am very impressed, but I want MORE! haha
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 27, 2010 8:14:54 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Except for the fact of living 50miles from UBC........I dont think I would be able to make the 100 mile bike ride each day..... Thanks though
scooooter7 Veteran Author Los Angeles Posts:253 Points:58,695 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: Sep 27, 2010 8:02:30 PM Ignore scooooter7 Report Abuse Best way to save gas is not to drive at all. Get a bicycle and your heart will love you.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2010 9:56:41 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse "Nice pics " Thanks! "To increase mileage while on a highway stay close to an 18 wheeler if you can, for the drag." Did I mention that I was hoping to find LEGAL ways to save gas?
SAVEITIL Champion Author Chicago Posts:5,364 Points:1,168,365 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2010 3:45:43 AM Ignore SAVEITIL Report Abuse Nice pics
DasAuto92 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,449 Points:175,645 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2010 2:05:05 AM Ignore DasAuto92 Report Abuse Your lucky to have such a car i forgot what they looked like.Stop beating your head against the wall and take the 48 mpg.To increase mileage while on a highway stay close to an 18 wheeler if you can, for the drag.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2010 1:50:42 AM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse The tires are rated for 44psi...... It is only bad for the tire to exceed the rating on its sidewall......The car has a recommended psi rating based upon comfort, not safety. Read more .......at this site........ [Edited by: Darlo at 9/26/2010 1:51:00 AM EST]
bluebird1 Champion Author Toronto Posts:15,730 Points:3,107,150 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2010 12:54:25 AM Ignore bluebird1 Report Abuse I'd say 'y er gettin it done' with 48 mpg (I'm assuming that's actual under city/hwy conditions you drive). There's a point of diminishing returns & your likely at that point. Speaking of avoiding the unsafe....what's this 43 psi with tires 44 max....you testing their endurance testing??? What's the recommended - 30?? Upping your pressure by 50% is severely decreasing your traction & giving uneven wear. Try as thin an oil as state of engine can take in synthetic, as well as syn. tranny oil. Also, best low-friction grease on next bearing check/repack.
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:14,040 Points:2,446,600 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2010 7:59:05 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse I think the original post has great ideas that are doing a good job. Aerodynamically, I'm not sure there's more to do. I think you're limited to what the engineers that designed the vehicle came up with.
WEPSMAN Champion Author South Dakota Posts:10,513 Points:2,023,925 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2010 6:22:04 AM Ignore WEPSMAN Report Abuse Wthout probably spending more money than what you will save in the long run, I do not think there is much you can do. You are already getting better mileage than most vehicles out there. Stop obsessing and be happy with what you have.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2010 12:19:35 AM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse what? no one has any suggestions?
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 1:08:47 PM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Yes 48mpg is good, but I want to maximize it......
WEPSMAN Champion Author South Dakota Posts:10,513 Points:2,023,925 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 10:13:50 AM Ignore WEPSMAN Report Abuse I would be happy with what you are getting. That is better than most.
jes Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:16,160 Points:3,351,500 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 7:09:43 AM Ignore jes Report Abuse I guess you could start to modify the body and make it look as ridiculous as that Aerocivic. Personally I'd be happy with 48 mpg on an old Festiva.
Darlo All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:627 Points:23,530 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 12:55:19 AM Ignore Darlo Report Abuse Call it an experiment........
Maintroll Champion Author Lexington Posts:8,629 Points:1,702,160 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2010 12:54:26 AM Ignore Maintroll Report Abuse Just why are you so obsessed with this endeavor?