car stuff -- fuel efficience

http://www.omninerd.com/2006/07/16/articles/57

Edmunds performed experiments showing cruise control saving fuel up to 14%, while typically averaging 7% fuel savings.

The graph confirms common sense regarding not using the correct gears.

In sixth gear with the air conditioning operating, the vehicle consumed more fuel than driving at the equivalent speed (without air conditioning) in fourth gear.

55mph = roughly 21 miles per gallon. (best)

I have noticed the effects of drafting to be an enormous boon to fuel efficiency.

Multiple studies show that accelerating slower will dramatically improve fuel efficiency. They found fuel savings up to 37% with an average of 31% simply by accelerating a car slowly.

Older engines using a carburetor in lieu of an ECU may actually benefit from a throttle body spacer, but not a comptuer controlled engine.

EPA analysis of fuel magnet devices determined they have no effect on the performance of automobiles.

ECU can be modified, overridden or completely replaced. Hypertech features a product that rewrites the mappings of the ECU through the vehicle's OBDII port, altering the manner in which it treats sensor input.

power is increased from the colder air.

Ethanol has a lower BTU than gasoline...therefore it won't go as far per gallon as gasoline.

Ethanol fuels provide nearly 30% less BTUs than standard gasoline. Regardless of whether the vehicle was designed for E85 or using it accidently, it will not obtain the efficiency of standard gasoline.

Whereas the internal combustion engine compresses both fuel and air simultaneously, the diesel compresses only the air.

Not only did the higher compression ratio offer improved power, but diesel fuel itself contains more energy per unit resulting in even more efficiency.

Common Rail Diesel (CRD) systems are an improvement to the traditional diesel. The CRD make better use of fuel by increasing the delivery pressure and reducing even further the number of necessary engine components.84 Combined with innovative emissions filters like advanced ceramics, urea screens and particulate traps, diesel engines are making a cleaner burn of their fuel.

Fuel efficiency can be achieved in a number of ways. The purchase of a fuel efficient automobile, of course, leads the way in effectiveness. But for those owners already hampered by a gas guzzler or those with a functional need for the vehicle, simply buying a new car is not a viable option. Instead, owners need to adjust driving habits, install performance upgrades or select improved fuels.

Changing driving habits introduce a profound effect on fuel savings for any vehicle. In brief, the following tips collectively save gas in the long run.

* slower acceleration
* reduced top speed
* proper tire inflation
* using cruise control
* proper vehicle lubrication
* correct transmission gears
* using air conditioning only when necessary
* reducing aerodynamic drag
* removing excess weight