Hello folks,

I don't have a hybrid myself, it's a small 2000 Geo Metro. They get 47 mpg from the factory, I'm sure mine gets less being 6 years old so I'm always looking at methods to improve mileage.

Apon doing an internet search I encounter 100's of items, gadgets, acetone, ignition spark boosters, special spark plugs, tornado vortex hoses, magnets, etc... that claim better mileage. I even came across a book claiming to have tested a found 7 of the 100's that actually do work. Furthermore, the book claims a common truck accessory will increase mileage 13%:
http://www.gas-mileage-secrets.com/index.htm

Well, money is tight and I've got enough to read. Furthmore, perhaps the author himself sells those 7 and is writting to sell books and merchandise! So anyway, has anyone actually tried any of this stuff himself? What works and what doesn't? Is there a free UNBIASED report I can read about fuel efficient items online?

Thanks for your time!

You have my sympathy.

First, start recording your MPG. Without hard data, you will have no way of knowing if anything you've done made an improvement. Just a simple 'composition book' with a pen is all it takes.

Now for the 'low hanging fruit':
1) tires to maximum - make them as hard as safe to reduce rolling resistance
2) tune-up - filters, oil, e.t.c.
3) alignment - check the tire wear and make sure there are no abnormal patterns

Is your vehicle an automatic or manual?

Do you have a regular commute or driving pattern?

Do you perform your own maintenance?

As for the Internet MPG promises, there will always be time for them. Start with the 'freebies' and record keeping. Then we can discuss how to approach improvements beyond a good baseline.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

A guy drives a metro at metrompg.com check it out. Your FE will skyrocket.

i got around 20 km a liter when i drove a civic 5 spd using advanced hypermiler techniques
and now I drive a salvage nwh20 prius that gets almost to 25 km/l with 192,000 km to date.

GOOD POINT!

I suspect there might be a few Yahoo groups devoted to Metro driving and operation. Finding a good forum specific to the vehicle will be much more useful than asking for help from hybrid-electric owner operators.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.