| deanking |
I figured for those that cared about MPG, I would pass along some observations I have made lately. Disclaimer: This is all based on the computer which several here don't seem to trust.
Back in the winter, I posted a thread complaining that my MPG had dropped pretty drastically in the winter months. It had gone from around 17.5 to 15. One factor turned out to be tire pressure. Increasing it bumped me back up to 16.5. I attributed the rest to Winter blend gasoline.
I decided to try some things once I read that winter blend gas was phased out and it had gotten warmer. I needed to try it while school was still in because my commute is different in the summer months. Through these tests, I kept checking my air pressure and making sure it was around 32 PSI cold.
Never really a maniac, I decided to start driving like a granny. I did not accelerate from stops but most importantly, I followed a longer distance so I could anticipate stops. I also went no more than 60 MPH on what little highways I did drive. With all this, I find I am getting close to 18.5 MPG.
Once a week, I need to drive a highway. While doing this, I reset the B odometer to track my milleage for this 20 minute trip and used cruise control set at 60. The first time I did this, I was getting around 25 MPG. Oddly enough, the second time, I was getting 21.5.
I realized that the difference the second time was that all my windows were open. Once I shut the windows (except for the moonroof), I discovered that the MPG went right back to 25. I don't know how many people cruise a highway with their windows open, but if you do, you will pay for it.
In the end, my own experience shows me that doing some common sense things can improve the MPG in this vehicle by about 3 MPG which for me is around %20 and that's not bad. Sure, I can afford the gas, but it is more an ethical thing. Reducing demand is about the only way I can personally show my displeasure for the current state of affairs.
What I can't explain with all this is why my V6 Accord gets 20 MPG on the same commute no matter what I do. 20 in the winter, 20 in the summer, 20 driving mellow or not. It seems like different vehicles react to fuel saving measures at different rates.
Hope this helps someone. |
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| hipcheck |
My guess is the MDX is impacted by wind more than an Accord. Wind drag is what really kills MPG.
I wish Acura would add a 6th gear to help with higher speed driving. When I take road trips, I have no desire to drive at 60, even for a few miles per gallon.
At 75 MPH I got 20 MPG on my last trip driving in rain/wind and 21 MPG on a calmer day. At just about 4 bucks a gallon, I felt the 500 miles I drove! |
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| deanking |
I agree completely. On a long road trip, my time is more important than a few bucks.
I also agree that the aerodynamics is a factor. However; I am wondering if the higher tech engine in the MDX is more sensitive to the crappy winter gas? I notice that when not warmed up in the winter, The X tended to be rougher and take a heavier foot than my Accord. |
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| kims MDX |
Although theoretically, driving 60 as opposed to 75 should produce better mpg, there must be other factors at play here.
Our highway trips seem to produce 22+ mpg, and that is with the cruise set at 75. ('08 MDX with 5K miles so far)
In stop & go suburban errand running we are averaging 17+. My wife does 3/4 of the MDX driving, and I don't believe she drives like a granny .... although she IS one.
I do the other 1/4, and I know I don't. My regular driver is a 911, and I didn't buy that because I like to baby the throttle.
Kim |
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