13 replies to this topic

[minipip]

cant seem to find this anywhere, so here goes.
im sure were all happy on the current mpg of our cars or evan happy on the current running, was just wondering if theres any tips on how to increase the mpg on a mini apart form keepin it well serviced, and driving the sencible speeds, and magic mixes people use? is there a screw you can turn to keep the performance but use less fuel, you know something we proberly all over look?
so any idears would be helpfull
im posting this because im a student and only normally have about a fivers worth of fuel in there at max want to get the most miles outa it as i can lol

[Grayedout]

The best control is your right foot !!!

It's not about driving slower but just being gentle and smooth with the throttle. Putting your foot to the floor for a hard getway just drinks fuel.

I've done fuel economy trials with big fleets and no matter what you do technically to improve the vehicles the biggest factor is still the driving style !!

Just try being smooth and gentle for a week and see what affect it has !

[miniman86]

what could cause my 1100cc van to do 120 miles to a full tank of about £19, my mate said it could be that the carb is totally knackered, and ive got afew indoors, one of which i took of my 40,000 mile donor car before it went, is it worth bolting it on and seeing what affect it has?

[CharlieBrown]

I find that driving at 70mph drinks a fair bit more than 60mph so I toodle along the dual carriageway to work.

May annoy a few drivers but pennies make pounds!

[Pavel]

If you haven't already, taking your car to a rolling road session is the biggest "technical" improvement you can make to mpg, but its true that no matter what you do to the engine it will never have as big of an effect as how you drive.

[minipip]

so its all down to a controled driving style then? aparently 55mph is the best mpg iv herds you get sommin like 45mpg at that speed.

[Jammy]

Fitting a vacumn guage will help you see when your getting the best fuel economy from your engine...

[Bungle]

a good performance exhaust

[biggav]

Get David Vizards book "tuning the a series engine" it is really good and goes through every aspect of tuning from air filters, carbs, valves, rockers, cams, exhausts etc etc etc... and gives loads of results from tests on performance and economy... there's a whole chapter on fuel economy and how to maximize it... its available from 99p on ebay or about £14 on amazon but is well worth the money.

[retrodan]

i dont bother with mpg with my mini as its twin 1.5 su's and 1380 block just drink it as fast as i fill it, but at best i get 100-120 miles to a tank, but oh well!!! yeah i agree aswell with driven it at 55-60 does make a difference!!! and regular tune ups, makeing sure carb/s are balanced and correct!!!

[sssstew]

yeah agreed, smooth driving, looking well in advance for problems and avoiding or slowing so you dont stop, ansd 55 is the best like was said./

[Clubby1275GT]

agreed, its all about the driver, if u redline through the gears itll drink faster than an overweight darts player, but drive it smooth and try not to keep it in third at 3500rpm constant and u may just save those sought after pounds.
I also found rolling road was well helpful Collins Motors in Erdington (PLUG) did mine week before last, i gained 5 bhp and an extra pound of torque, the engine now idles much better and i have noticed better consumption too!
defo recommend a tune up!

[AlexM]

The type of fuel you use may have a difference on ur economy. There was a large discussion a short while ago about the quality of fuels.

If u are a student like me chances are you fill up on the cheapest stuff you can find, but I have recently started filling up on Esso 97RON and i have been getting better fuel economy.

Check tyre pressures are correct too. If you commute on a motorway or straight roads you could pump a little higher (as recommeneded for long runs).

Stage one kits increase fuel econmy apprantly. I have had better economy since fitting a K&N filter element.

[pikey7]

Get an LPG conversion......



Seriously, just think when you drive. I know it annoys when people don't move in queues, but just moving that little bit is bad for economy. Go 65 instead of 70 on the motorway. Hell, slipstream a truck! (not too close though obvoiusly) I like Jammys idea of a vacuum meter, Don't run the car on the rev counter, run it on the vaccum gauge. Fit thinner tyres, keep your tyre pressures correct, ensure that the oil/water is in good condition and changed regularly, same with filters & plugs.