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What saves more gas?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by theGastone, May 31, 2012.

  1. May 31, 2012 at 6:45 AM
    #1
    theGastone

    theGastone [OP] New vehicle/Tacoma *****

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    What do you think saves more gas. Driving with a window down and not using AC or using the AC on low?

    I like driving with the window down and 21 miles to the gallon is pretty awesome but I'm wondering if there is something I can do to squeeze a bit more out of it. Also cooling myself is a big issue since it's hot as Satan's backside here in Florida...
     
  2. May 31, 2012 at 7:00 AM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Around town, windows down will most likely be best. At highway speed, windows up and A/C on will likely produce better MPG.
     
  3. May 31, 2012 at 7:05 AM
    #3
    Erik

    Erik That smells like pure gasoline

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    Agreed. I think I noticed minor improvements in mpg's with windows up/ac on the highway.
     
  4. May 31, 2012 at 7:07 AM
    #4
    WhiskeyDeltaTango

    WhiskeyDeltaTango Resident Redneck

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    Mythbusters say greater than 35mph A/C is more efficient than windows down.

    and i think having the fan on low vs high probably has less effect vs compressor on and off.
     
  5. May 31, 2012 at 7:13 AM
    #5
    2011supercoma

    2011supercoma Well-Known Member

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    get a bicycle, thatll save a shit load of gas.
     
  6. May 31, 2012 at 7:32 AM
    #6
    Erik

    Erik That smells like pure gasoline

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    Haha. I thought about getting a yamaha scooter for my commute to work. I hear they get 80 mpg. I commute 50 miles each way, but I would get killed in traffic.

    I would stand a little more chance in a smart car. Ever see how small those are?Its so tiny I could keep it in the bed of the tacoma and deploy it whenever I needed it. I think my bicycle would take up more space in the bed.
     
  7. May 31, 2012 at 7:34 AM
    #7
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Have you thought about a small dual sport dirt bike? More power than a scooter but would still get 60+ MPG and they're a lot of fun.
     
  8. May 31, 2012 at 10:17 AM
    #8
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I am getting 22.5 to 22.8 mpg right now.

    Around town I have the windows down, because I like fresh air.

    On highway or rural roads where I'm going 50+ mph I have the windows up because I don't like the wind noise.
     
  9. May 31, 2012 at 10:56 AM
    #9
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    Being light on the skinny pedal saves the most gas of all... I think that the AC/windows thing yields negligible results at best
     
  10. May 31, 2012 at 11:13 AM
    #10
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    ^ True

    In my experience, using cruise control as much as possible has shown the most gains.
     
  11. May 31, 2012 at 7:06 PM
    #11
    mizzac

    mizzac Well-Known Member

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    Id argue that. I used cruise and watchin my scanguage it was giving me like 16, if i drove it myself i could get 18.
     
  12. May 31, 2012 at 7:56 PM
    #12
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I guess it's different for different feet?

    I've been keeping track of my economy on fuelly for almost 15,000 miles.

    I started using cruise control excessively about halfway through (made a note as a demarcation)

    Winter gas withstanding, I went from 19.8 avg to 22.5 avg after making the commitment to cruise control.

    That's my experience.
     
  13. May 31, 2012 at 8:05 PM
    #13
    Bodz

    Bodz Well-Known Member

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    Yep, i totally agree. Keeping a light foot on the gas pedal, combined with easing off completely when rolling up on a stop sign or hill, can help a lot.

    That being said, i love the acceleration LOL
     
  14. May 31, 2012 at 8:06 PM
    #14
    mizzac

    mizzac Well-Known Member

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    My scanguage could be off as well. Ive noticed there is a sweet spot on the pedal, for some reason if i just barely stay on it i get way better mileage, even tho it keeps me at 70 compared to being on it just a little more and still staying at 70.
     
  15. May 31, 2012 at 8:08 PM
    #15
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    ^ that play in the pedal is what cruise control eliminates for me.

    Especially on slight inclines (which most of my driving consists of)
     
  16. May 31, 2012 at 8:13 PM
    #16
    mizzac

    mizzac Well-Known Member

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    Mine on cruise likes to kick it up more it seems.
     
  17. May 31, 2012 at 8:23 PM
    #17
    Rackster

    Rackster Well-Known Member

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    For those interested in improving Fuel Economy (FE), visit CleanMPG.com for tips on improving your MPGs. The advice given here is mostly right. Windows down when driving around town saves fuel. AC on when at 50 mph and above saves fuel. Cruise Control will save fuel, but not as much as keeping a level foot. As noted above, feathering the gas pedal will improve your FE.

    That said, on long hauls, the CC is the way to go to keep your leg from cramping. And unless you keep an extra shirt in the cab, running without AC is a tough task to do in the deep South. And having a Scangauge/Ultraguage to give you realtime feedback will help you learn where you are optimal spots are for the best FE.

    Good luck!
     
  18. May 31, 2012 at 8:30 PM
    #18
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Do you have a 5 speed or auto?
     
  19. May 31, 2012 at 8:31 PM
    #19
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    lol

    Been driving plenty, thank you.
     
  20. May 31, 2012 at 8:33 PM
    #20
    Rackster

    Rackster Well-Known Member

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    Actually, studies done with a few of my vehicles support the theory of driving with the windows down when around town. MPGs improve around 7%. I did a few runs up to Boston and had even better gains. But comfort is a factor, so running AC in certain situations, while less fuel friendly, sure beats sweating up a storm.
     

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