I’ve been trying to improve my gas mileage but it’s been tough. I’ve heard a lot of different suggestions and wanted to see if anyone has some advice. What’s worked for you guys?
Try being light on the pedal, coast more, and brake less. Also, gas mileage tends to improve as the engine gets more used to driving.
MPG really depends on how and where you drive. If you’re mostly driving short trips around town, it’s going to be lower. Long road trips, on the other hand, give you better MPG. For example, my 2018 Ford Flex gets around 14 MPG in the city but goes up to about 26 MPG on highways.
A good way to track your real MPG is by filling up and doing the math yourself once your tank is almost empty. The computer might show numbers that are close, but I find that my calculations are usually more accurate. I’ve been getting 20+ MPG by doing the math manually.
@Reese
I’m terrible at math! How do I calculate it though? lol.
Edit: I used an online calculator and figured out my odometer readings before and after filling up, and the gallons I put in. Turns out it’s about the same as what my car’s computer showed…
I think you might be pressing the gas too much. I drive around town in my 24 limited and manage to get around 24 MPG, but I do keep track and make an effort. I’ve noticed a big difference when I stop hitting the gas too much and start coasting instead. A lot of people don’t realize you don’t always need to keep your foot on the pedal, coasting is actually a big help. Try starting off slower and coasting more—it should help your MPG.
It’s tough to say without driving with you, but I recently had to retrain myself with my 25 hybrid. For a target MPG, let’s say 24, since it’s close to what you’re getting on the real-time indicator. Drive around and try to stay above that number half the time, and below it the other half. Reset the displays and keep track of your average. It’s about adjusting to what works for you. I can get my hybrid up to 35-40 MPG, but I’ve learned to drive more carefully, especially when coasting and keeping my speed reasonable.
@Drake
This is really helpful, thanks! I like the idea of aiming to stay above and below 24. I’ve been trying to beat my previous MPG each time, but sometimes it’s just inconsistent, even though I’m being careful with my acceleration. I’ll reset everything and give it another go!
@Storm
Just don’t go too slow when accelerating! You don’t want to be too slow getting up to speed, or else you’ll spend more time burning gas. A steady amount of gas pedal pressure helps get you up to speed, then you can ease off once you’re there.
@Drake
Okay, maybe I’ve been accelerating too slowly. I’ll try to find that sweet spot!