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Showing results for tags 'GASPODS'.
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Here is an explanation of what it took to get 875.3 actual miles as verified by Garmin GPS. Smart Gauge is off by 1.4% which comes out to about a .5mpg improvement. From what I have heard from other C-Max owners, this appears to be a common problem. BTW I didn't run out of gas and might have made 900mi with the remaining gas in the tank! First: Fortunately a business trip to Deltona, FL gave me the golden opportunity to plan the ultimate fuel economy test trip!Second: My goal was 900 mi. on a tank.Third: I calculated 45mph as the average speed needed to accomplish 900 mi.Fourth: Realistically, you can't drive on Interstates because it's not safe to travel between 40-45mph. In planning my route I used MapQuest and GoogleMaps trip planning to avoid Interstate highways. By using State highways I was able to save 40 mi. each way and typically the speed limit is 55mph. With less traffic I was able to drive 40-55mph.Fifth: P&G (Pulse & Glide) is the strategy for max mpg, no ECO Cruise. You need to watch your Miles To Empty (MTE) to make sure you are going to make it. I started with Pulse to55-60mph and Glide to 45mph. Halfway through the trip I could see it was going to be close so I slowed down to 40mph and easily made it. Here is a list of MODs and explanation: Grill Covers minimize heat loss from ICE and improve aerodynamics to improve MPGs. Top off with Non Ethanol gas improves MPGs 1+ but is not cost effective for regular use, $4/gal vs $3.19/gal. GasPods improve aerodynamics, not sure how much yet. 45psi in tires. Covered Fog Lamps with clear carpet tape. ScanGauge keeps track of Coolant Temps, Instant MPG, Air Intake Temps and RPMs. Garmin GPS keeps track of actual miles traveled, average speed and route. It is advantageous to compare the routes between two GPSs; many times they do not use the same route! I also recommend MapQuest or GoogleMaps to plan the trip, print out directions and compare to GPS routing. Drafting is problematic on back roads because it is hard to find a suitable drafting partner. Truckers tend to drive 65mph in 55mph speed zones and that is just too fast and stressful to achieve optimum MPGs. Weather is important for good MPGs and I was lucky with winds light and variable and 63-84 degree temps so didn't use the AC. I had an EV of 66% and high 90%s for brake scores. Here is my Lifetime Score as of October 2, 2013 and it keeps going up!