Fuel economy

[matty2670]

I have been trying to increase my fuel economy by keeping below 60 on the motorway, changing to top gear ASAP and generally keeping the revs down, etc. but I only seem to average just over 30mpg, which seems a bit low. Is there anything I can do/add to the fuel to increase it? I've got a 1998 1.8 Astra. Ta.

[thebhoy]

is it short trips u do? have it serviced properly incl fuel filter! lot of garages dnt change them in a service!also u can buy treatments like redex or forte injection system cleaner put 1 of them in wen ufill up and see if that makes a difference. ps mind and dont go in to top gear too soon doesnt always save fuel that way hope that was of some help

[Toureman]

Your consumption is too high, there must be something wrong somewhere.

I had a 1996 1.6 Astra GLS on the motorway at under 60 mph it did almost 50 mpg, at 70 plus on the motorway it did about 40 mpg.

There is nothing at all that you can add to the fuel to increase consumption. The only thing you can do to cut your petrol costs is to go to pipelinecard.org for cheaper petrol!

[Buenchico]

A couple of things which can reduce mpg are:

1. Incorrect tyre pressures. (Just a few psi out can result in a loss of 5 mpg or more. Never trust the guages at filling stations, not even the electronic ones. Always check with a pencil guage).

2. A blocked air filter. They're cheap - if in doubt, change your filter.

I'm sure that others can add to this list.

Chris

[BigB]

Be as light as u can on the throttle, pressing it to the floor uses loads more fuel. Change spark plugs and filters. Take to a garage for an engine tune to make sure everything is ok. No fuel additives really work so dont bother with them.

[matty2670]

Thanks guys, some really useful info there.

[Craig007]

" Below 60 on a motorway" So its YOU is it!? Hurry up man!! :o)

[matty2670]

Sorry Craig, I'll get out of the middle lane as well!

[Thefixor]

The first thing to do is checkout what sort of fuel consumption this particular astra should return.Once you have this info get the car checked over a expert on this vehicle (this will unfortunatly may turn out to be your main Vauxhall dealer but you may find someone else to give you expert info on your vehicle).By keeping your speed down to 60 mph along with gentle acceleration and general care with the right foot, is the only way to achieve good fuel consumption in the long run.I thnk you should bear in mind also that the modern 16v engine with multipoint injection and in your case 1.8 litres has all the potential in to really use a fair bit of petrol if care is not taken.This unfortunatly is the down side of this type of engine which is really all about performance which I am sure it gives but at what cost.As to adding things to the fuel dont bother as this is a waste of mony.By the way, the unfortunate downside to 60mph on a motorway is "lorries,lorries and more lorries who will hastle you. Hope this helps?

[Craig007]

lol Matty and can u plz switch ur fog lights off as well!? Thanx m8. :o)