mpg-o-editor

Navigate NAIAS? There’s an App for That.

by

With auto manufacturer and supplier exhibits spread throughout Detroit’s cavernous Cobo Hall, finding the most efficient route through the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) can be a daunting task. If you’ve ever wished you had an app on your smartphone to provide navigation within the winding aisles of a gigantic car show, your prayers have been answered.

Enter ZF AutoShowMe!

The ZF AutoShowMe App runs on iOS and Android devices. ZF is providing the app free of charge via Google Play and the iPhone App Store. Download ZF AutoShowMe for NAIAS 2014 and you’ll chart a course to auto show nirvana.

Read more

Getting Real with Synthetic Fluids – Part I

by

Synthetic fluids are a cornerstone of Ain’t Fuelin’s Mindful Maintenance program. They offer a higher level of protection for the drivetrain, reduced friction, and the potential for an incremental improvement in fuel efficiency. All that said, one of the best parts about switching to synthetic oil is the increase in the number of miles driven between oil changes.

In the video that accompanies this post, I demonstrate how easy it is to perform a D-I-Y oil change on a (slightly) lifted Jeep Wrangler TJ. We affectionately call our ’98 TJ “The Heep.” It’s also known as “The Black Hole” for all the money that we’ve poured into it over the years …

Read more

U.S. Diesel Policy: Taxation Without Representation?

by

While increasing the fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles is a stated goal of government of the United States of America, our appointed officials have allowed the perpetuation of a tax that penalizes the owners of certain vehicles. Although our government has put forth a great effort to encourage the adoption of vehicles that include some form of electrification, little has been done to due the same for clean diesel-powered vehicles. One could almost say that they’ve been discouraged.

Read more

Why Am I Getting Bad Gas Mileage?

by

Have you noticed a recent drop in your vehicle’s fuel economy? Does it seem like you’re filling up at the gas station more frequently? Has the cost of your weekly commute begun to eat into your budget for other essentials? We’re here to help! This article takes a look at a wide range of factors that may be effecting your car’s average gas mileage. These factors can be divided into three basic categories: driving conditions, environmental conditions, and vehicle condition.

Your fuel economy is a result of many elements on any given day. A change in traffic, the route that you follow, weather (whether inclement or not), and your vehicle’s state of tune can have a significant effect on the amount of cash you drop at the pump each month.

Read more

2013 Honda Civic Hybrid Review

by

MPG-o-Matic 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid Review Summary: The Honda Civic Hybrid received a cosmetic refresh for the 2013 model year. While the updated interior and exterior design touches set the latest Civic Hybrid apart from the austere models of previous years, the competition’s never been tougher. Although Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System is efficient, it is not capable of pure electric engine-off gliding, as are the systems from Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota. Nevertheless, the Civic Hybrid remains a reliable choice that’s fully capable of combined fuel economy in the mid-to-high 40 mile per gallon (MPG) range when driven properly.

Read more