I figured out how to get 500 milese per tank! First off, my car is averaging 38+ (I usually hit 40) mpg. This a 5MT BTW. I am teased for driving unspirited, which is why gas mileage is pretty good.

I usually run the tank for at least 380 miles, and fill it up at the gas station. When the pump stops, I remember the amount of gallons I put in. I add about 2.4 gallons to that number and "top it off". I can see the level of gas when I screw the gas cap back on, that's how full it is! So technically, there are ~12.4 gallons in the tank. At 40mpg, that turns out to be ~496 miles.

Yesterday I filled up at home and drove down to San Diego to visit my parents, and I was able to make it down on one tank!

I am very with the cruise range now.

 

Thtat's good you got that many miles, but it's dangerous. gasoline is very reactive, and if it's exposed to the harsh atmosphere, it might explode. For example, if you are wearing cotton and it's a hot or cold day and you have static, if you come close to the gasoline KABOM. It's happened to ppl just from inserting the nozzle into the tank and pressing the button; the gasoline wasn't even near the guy.

 

Wow- will keep that in mind- thanks for the heads up. I think that it would be more dangerous if I was wearing polyester or other synthetic materials.

 

wow. i am speachless...

 

Another issue to think about is the emissions control canisters and related parts. On a few of my other vehicles, by overfilling the gas tank, it tends to lead to having to see the 'check engine' light on fairly often. Which in turn will cost money to replace the evap canister, etc. Not to mention the harm its doing to the atmosphere with global warming and all....

 

i used to top it off till the cap with my 98 taurus, almost 4-5 gals than it initially clicks off, never had a problem for years but now that i have my fit i only put it about $1.5 more after it clicks

 

That's pretty neat. The most I've squeezed out of my Fit is 340 miles on a tank. I usually get around 37 mpg nowadays.

 

wtf? i'm only averaging 31 mpg whether i drive like an old fogey or not!

 

I have 430 miles on this tank, but I'll be filling up on my way to work in the morning. Sounds like a challenge - 500 miles!!

I've driven most of this last tank around 75 mph (65 mph speed limit.) Wonder how much difference it will make if I drop down to 70 mph?

Oh, and the more miles I get on this, the more my mileage seems to improve. I'll have over 21,000 miles by the end of the week.

 

A couple of things that can affect your MPG's.

As far as I know:
1) Cold winter weather = cold dense air ---> harder for a vehicle to cut through the air.

2) NY gas also has a percentage of ethanol in it = worse mpg's

3) Jackrabbit starts when the traffic light goes green and city driving kills gas mileage.

4) tire pressure - I keep my tires at 38psi and try to keep it at or around there.

5) I personally try to draft(AKA tailgate) behind larger SUV's but watch out for flying rocks and sudden stops.

 

If you really like to travel long distance see if you can have a second gas tank installed. I had a neighbor that owned a volkswagon deisel which he drove up and down I-5. He would get 45 to 55 mpg gallons easy so you could imagine the difference...
It can be done..... Personally I like to refill at 1/2 tank to keep the ratio of particulate to gas low. Also a tank with gas is better then vapors in the event of impact. You never know when you may be at a stand still in traffic is another reason to stay on the upside of the gauge