Over the past months, I’ve used a Linear Logic ScanGaugeII in review cars lacking a built-in real-time fuel economy gauge. While I’ve achieved some pretty good results, there’s no magic to what I do … it’s simply a matter of driving conscientiously.
There’s little doubt that you can save a remarkable amount of fuel if you just put your mind to the task. Like so many things in life, if you don’t pay attention to the details, it will cost you …
It took me a little while to figure out which ScanGaugeII functions were most beneficial for improving gas mileage results. As of this writing, my favorite combination is the RPM (revolutions per minute), real-time MPG, TPS (throttle position sensor), and GPH (gallons per hour) read outs. Seeing these four gauges in one glance gives me the handle on how much fuel is running through the engine at any given moment.
Last week, I had the opportunity to put the ScanGaugeII to the test in my wife’s 2003 Honda Pilot, on a highway run to the airport and back.
The secret to improving your gas mileage can be found right in the mirror. If you want to cut your fuel costs, your vehicle doesn’t just need to be in tune … you need to be in tune with your vehicle.
The key to that quest is knowing how much fuel your engine is using in real-time. But here lies the dilemma … While some vehicles provide real-time fuel economy data via digital display, a great many do not. If your car lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge, all is not lost.
You just need to look to the after market.
My wife’s five year old Honda Pilot has 130,000 miles on the odometer, but it lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge. Now I’m not a hypermiler by any means, nor do I aspire to be, but I’ve been able to improve my gas mileage to the point where I can consistently score results of over 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway (in an 8-passenger SUV) by using an after market real-time display.
Linear-Logic’s ScanGaugeII is a simple plug-and-place device that provides a one-stop solution for drivers looking to uncork fuel economy data, as well as the stream of other valuable information hidden in a car’s computer (commonly referred to as the Engine Control Unit [or ECU]).
While the ScanGaugeII is a snap to use, you need to pay attention to the details. The inside cover of the device’s manual provides a strong proviso regarding the safe operation of the ScanGaugeII. In particular, you must take caution as where and how you mount the device. It’s imperative that the display is fastened safely in a spot within the line of sight yet free of obstruction, while routing the cable in a secure manner. Continue reading →
If you’re looking for information on the best gas mileage cars, SUVs, vans, or trucks, you’ve come to the right place. From the moment MPGomatic was conceived, it’s been our goal to provide comprehensive data and unbiased reports in a positive and forward thinking manner. Getting the best gas mileage usually entails one of two things (but often both). You either upgrade to a vehicle that gets the best gas mileage or you apply techniques and technology to get improved fuel efficiency out of your current vehicle.
It’s not as tough as you might think.
We’re not here to sell you anything, nor to collect sales leads. Our agenda is simple. We want to provide you with the tools you need, so you can chart your own course.
A year ago, we began our quest with four basic charts and a nifty gas mileage calculator.
The Mazda3 is available as both a four door sedan and a five door hatch. It competes with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Chevy Cobalt, among many others in the red hot small car market.
The Mazda3 can be purchased with a 2.0 liter or 2.3 liter inline four cylinder engine, depending on the model. Our copper red mica four-door touring model was fitted with the 2.3 liter engine, which produces 156 horsepower and 150 foot pounds of torque.
The Ford Fusion is a four door sedan that competes most closely with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevy Malibu. The Fusion slots between the Focus and Taurus in Ford’s line up.
While the 2008 Fusion comes standard with a 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, our test car was fitted with the optional 3.0 liter V6 producing 221 horsepower and 205 foot pounds of torque.
We found the V6 to provide a compelling combination of performance and fuel economy, when driven conscientiously.
