The Mythical 100 MPG Carburetor

The Mythical 100 MPG Carburetor
Automotive

OK, who has a 100 mpg carburetor that they are keeping under wraps? Actually, you do.
It is not that Detroit or the oil giants have been hiding a miracle carburetor from us all these years because they are afraid of losing money. The problem is that even with steady advances in engine efficiency over the years, we (the public, the ones with the buying power, you and me!) have squandered those advances with bigger and heavier vehicles filled with all kinds of frills and luxuries.

All that stuff weighs a lot, and that big frame has to push a lot of air out of the way to hurtle down the highway at 75 miles per hour. With present-day technology and a sane vehicle design, a conventional car could easily get 40 or more miles per gallon and a sub-compact could get -- over 100? -- maybe; we should challenge every shade tree tinkerer and big auto manufacturer to try it and see.

Until we demand that the auto makers change their short-sighted habits and produce more efficient vehicles (plug-in hybrids, anyone?), we are stuck with what we have already invested thousands of dollars in that is sitting out there in the driveway. But, there are some simple things we can do to improve our fuel economy:

1. Get a tune-up. New plugs and a clean fuel injection system will improve your mileage immediately.
2. Be sure your tires are properly inflated. The guys at the shop usually put 32 psig in your tires, because that is what they've always done (the ride is a little more comfortable with squishy tires), but you can inflate your tires several psi higher than that and improve your gas mileage by reducing rubber-to-road friction. It will also make your tires last longer.
3. Unload all that unnecessary cargo. If you use your car's trunk as a mini-storage warehouse, you are paying a lot in fuel efficiency to haul all that stuff around. Other than passengers and basic safety equipment, leave the rest behind.
4. When driving around town at low speeds, avoid running your air conditioner. A little wind in your hair is refreshing, anyway.
5. Experiment with your car's performance and find the lowest octane gasoline that you can run effectively with. Most cars do not require high octane gasoline. Burning a lower octane fuel may increase your gas mileage a little or not at all, but it will definitely save you a bundle of money.
6. Don't drive any faster than you really have to. Wind resistance is a huge factor in fuel consumption.
   

Implement these things today and feel good about yourself for decreasing your personal carbon footprint. And start saving your pocket change in a big jar so you can buy a hybrid the next time around.