I drive about 50 miles a day to and from work on 1604...the truck i traded in on my element was getting between 16 and 18 mpg...

currently i'm getting 22.5 mpg in my element, but can't figure out how to improve that number...suggestions?

Try to stay under 70mph, as the Element's gas mileage goes down exponentially the higher the speeds are. I would also make sure your use of A/C is minimal and also be sure that your windows are closed (You'd be amazed at how much drag open windows put on a vehicle)

:) Hey Madgoober. I drive 281 from Bitters to the Southside near Brooks. Like the previous thread said, keep it under 70. I hang around 60 - 65, do the smooth starts etc... just like Grandma. I also keep the tires at 35 front and 37 back. I average around 24 mpg with each fill-up. Just did my first oil change this Sunday in that wonderful 90 degree warmth! I used what I have used in every car since I can remember, Mobil 1. I drove to Austin/Round Rock yesterday and got great mileage. I have hesitated to say what I got, But each fill-up before and after, I took the gas level up to where the gas was visible in the filler neck. We traveled 220.4 miles and used 7.85 gal. That came out to 28.07 mpg. I was very conservative while driving and stayed in the right lane That was the best I have recorded to date. Now, anyone else that reads this, please don't shoot the messenger. Those were the numbers:shock: ! As many others have said, drive like you want to save money and it will pay off. I got rid of a 2004 F-150 and am saving quite a bit!:D :D GO LONGHORNS:D

I drive about 50 miles a day to and from work on 1604...the truck i traded in on my element was getting between 16 and 18 mpg...

currently i'm getting 22.5 mpg in my element, but can't figure out how to improve that number...suggestions?

madgoober ...The E hates to do more than 3000 R.P.M...Go over this and your milage goes through the floor. Try limiting your R.P.M. to 2700/2800 and check out the results.

On the contrary, my E enjoys 4-5K RPM on many occasion!

My E does better at a constant speed. I have revved mine to 4-5 RPM with no problems. Remember the wind is a variable in the MPG due to the lack of aerodynamics.

Slow and steady wins the gas race... Fast gets you there first. The above posts have it down pat. 60 to 65 is the best speed for MPG, and A/C efficiency has signifigantly improved, so in hot weather, it's better to use a little A/C rather than open the windows even a little, except of course to cool it down when you first get in.

alright, sounds like light accelleration and stay 65 and under...i'll give that a shot...thanks much

--g

I've completely given up on chasing better fuel mileage. I couldn't drive 65 MPH on the freeways in Los Angeles if I wanted to. You're either in first or second gear all day long due to traffic congestion or over 80 MPH when it's not. Try driving under 70 MPH on an open freeway here in La La Land and you'll get knocked into the bushes. Heck, even the little old ladies will flip you off! Mileage on my E is what ever it gets. I bought my E for everything else it does. Not for the gas mileage.

I've completely given up on chasing better fuel mileage. I couldn't drive 65 MPH on the freeways in Los Angeles if I wanted to. You're either in first or second gear all day long due to traffic congestion or over 80 MPH when it's not. Try driving under 70 MPH on an open freeway here in La La Land and you'll get knocked into the bushes. Heck, even the little old ladies will flip you off! Mileage on my E is what ever it gets. I bought my E for everything else it does. Not for the gas mileage.

I completely agree, I do not follow the suggestions I gave above with my own Element. I drive my Element because I enjoy driving, and I drive the way it makes the most sense at the time. Also, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one to name my car "Ellie". No one in my family knows my Element by any other name. :-D

i agree about driving like you stole it bone it like you own it.
here in the dallas area if you are driving below 70 or 80 someone might shoot you!

the real funny thing about it is if you want to drive faster you have to do it in the right lane!