Why does my girlfriend's 97 Neon get such poor gas mileage?
My girlfriend had her Neon in for head gasket work recently, and ever since she got it back, I've noticed she goes through a lot of gas. She simply thinks her gas guage is off, but she also doesn't know her a** from her elbow when it comes to cars (something she'll admit). Is this a problem with Neons that I should be looking for, or any direction I can be pointed to? Thanks in advance everybody!
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
It seems like you are going by the seat of your pants feeling. When it comes to MPG, that's something that's easy to gauge scientifically. Follow these steps first before spending time and MONEY trying to fix something that might not be a problem.
(0) check your tire pressure.
(1) start at evening or night hour (way past rush hour).
(2) fill your tank with gas (max fill - to the last drop).
(3) get on the highway and drive a good distance (reset tripometer).
(4) if you have cruise control - use it
(5) try to get about 30 miles (30 minutes). The longer the less calculation error
(6) get off the highway and note the miles just driven
(7) again fill the tank (MAX - to the last drop)
(8) now note the gas USED (forget the first fill amount).
(9) calculate MPG = mile / gallons.
This is your BASELINE. This is the best you will ever get. Now try the same except try driving your regular commute (or even for few days). Compare the BASELINE to your daily commute.
If your baseline is good then you have NO CAR PROBLEM. If your daily routine MPG is bad, then it is probably your driving habit (like "jack rabbit" acceleration, habitual heavy braking, etc.).
If the BASELINE is bad then you can start searching (and spending $$$) on your possible problem. It is always a good choice to get "tune-up" (new air filter, new plugs, etc.). Empty out your trunk of junk.
Good Luck.
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Probably the MAP sensor. It controls the gas flow and is notorious for failing in 4 cylinder Dodge's(just like head gaskets).
Might be time for a good Complete Tune Up...
I mean replace~ Spark pluggs,/wires, Air filter, Fuel Filter, Oil and filter, coolant, and check timming, O2 sensor/s, might want to add a fuel system cleaner...
Also check all five Tires and pressure... maybe a brake is holding while driving...
Best wishes!
get rid of that american made pos immediately. It is "unsafe at any speed".
tune it. ck tire pressure