Thread: question on mileage

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I suppose you could sit down and crunch some numbers to figure out less throttle in lower gear vs. more throttle in higher gear but it would be theory anyway. The real gas saver is the right foot and its associated pedal.

If you're really worried about it, drop some speed going up the hill, and switch the AC off. Then on the back side of the hill, recoup your speed and switch the AC back on. Down shifting is a judgement call, use whichever gear lets you press lighter on the pedal.

Originally Posted by firebird77clone

Down shifting is a judgement call, use whichever gear lets you press lighter on the pedal.

And this is why all the new cars are all automatic / computer controlled with 6 to 10 speed trannies.

Originally Posted by 34_40

And this is why all the new cars are all automatic / computer controlled with 6 to 10 speed trannies.

I drive a lot (50K+ a Year), and I like GMC pickups (specifically, white Z71 SLT Crew Cab ones)-

So, I go through one about every 3-4 Years or so (it ain't cheap)-they are all equipped with 5.3's. 3.42 rear axle, posi, Tow pkg., etc.)-

Anyway, the reason I am telling you this is that I have always got around 21-22 mpg (on the highway) with this combination (I live in the western US, and drive the in the Mountains almost exclusively)-

So, when I got my first 2011 pickup, it took me awhile to get used to the 6 speed Transmission-after break-in, the first thing I noticed was that my Gas mileage dropped down to about 15-16 mpg (highway)-I surmise that our western rolling hills and mountains are making the Trans shift a lot more, and it will stay in, say 5th going up a hill (so it uses more Gas-when it is hilly it seems to be constantly shifting)-

The upside? These newer Trucks (with the same Equipment) will absolutely stomp my old body style, 4 speed truck-bad-(I've talked my way out of 2 Speeding Tickets in just the past Year-remember, always be nice to the Officer!)-

Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

I drive a lot (50K+ a Year), and I like GMC pickups (specifically, white Z71 SLT Crew Cab ones)-
So, I go through one about every 3-4 Years or so (it ain't cheap)-they are all equipped with 5.3's. 3.42 rear axle, posi, Tow pkg., etc.)-
-(I've talked my way out of 2 Speeding Tickets in just the past Year-remember, always be nice to the Officer!)-

I "use up" vehicles about every 5 years. 35 + K a year. The current DD is a Focus, 4 cyl / 6 speed auto, etc. etc.. I drive mostly "secondary roads", the car is advertised in the 39 or 40 range. I just leave it alone unless we're going down hills - then I kick it into neutral and coast, also will shut the motor off if I'm at certain known lengthy stop lights.. I can push up into the 43 to 45 mpg range if I'm lucky to an extant.

I don't do all this as a for anything more than just the challenge of it all. I get bored just driving along.. things like this keep it interesting. ANd I know 1 thing, Setting at a light will suck the life out of your miles per gallon. And that right foot deep into the little pedal on the right is twice as bad!

Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

....Anyway, the reason I am telling you this is that I have always got around 21-22 mpg (on the highway) with this combination (I live in the western US, and drive the in the Mountains almost exclusively)-

So, when I got my first 2011 pickup, it took me awhile to get used to the 6 speed Transmission-after break-in, the first thing I noticed was that my Gas mileage dropped down to about 15-16 mpg (highway)-I surmise that our western rolling hills and mountains are making the Trans shift a lot more, and it will stay in, say 5th going up a hill (so it uses more Gas-when it is hilly it seems to be constantly shifting). The upside? These newer Trucks (with the same Equipment) will absolutely stomp my old body style, 4 speed truck-bad-(I've talked my way out of 2 Speeding Tickets in just the past Year-remember, always be nice to the Officer!)-

So are you saying that in your older model trucks (Pre 2011) that had the 4spd auto you'd get 21-22mpg, but the newer style seems to always be shifting, and only knocks down 15-16mpg but has lots more highway power? No big deal, just wanting to understand your experience.

Roger,

Sorry, I've been on a mini vacation and away from the 'Puter-

Yes, it was perplexing, as I loved those old body style, 4 speed, 5.3 Pickups (I went through 4 of them, and the quality only got better as time went on)-GM's are known for electrical problems (mostly), and I had two with Trans problems, however, the last two Pickups I've bought (post 4 speed) haven't had a single problem with anything (they say the 6 speed is overbuilt)-

Me Wife teased me that I must be getting old, as I have one set of Options that I really like (read:Cowboy Cadillac), and, when I ordered the 2011 Pickup, I used the exact same Options (rear axle ratio, engine, trim level, interior/exterior color, etc),as with the previous 4-speed Pickups-I expected the same everything (including Gas mileage)-what a shock it was when it wasn't-

I work for a Company that also has a GM franchise (Chevy, GMC, Buick, etc) as well as a Dodge/Jeep/Ram franchise-I sure like the looks of the Rams-(and, they are pretty quick with the Hemi), and had considered buying one-

Now, looking back, I'm glad I didn't buy a Ram (some of the stories I now hear from the guys in Service down at our Dodge store would amaze you)-we just got in a new Hellcat, and I wished sometimes that I didn't live in Snow Country-could you imagine a Challenger with Tire Chains? -

I guess it's a trade off-while the gas mileage kinda sucks on these newer trucks, they are pretty quick for a Pickup (especially when you consider the only difference is the Trans)-

I do have an older Ford Pickup in my Garage that I bought new (I just can't seem to part with it), although it only gets about 1k a Year put on it (if that)-it's just not as comfortable (and it gets just as bad of Gas mileage)-I am definitely spoiled-