vintage42

I shift the same way, and am always aware of the other techniques but only practice them to a much lesser extent. I am by no means a hyper-miler, but can routinely get 35 mpg in city/suburban summer driving.
Best tank was 42.5 mpg holding 60 mph for a whole tank on an Interstate trip. If I had had the patience to hold 50 mph, the mpg would have been in the high 40's.

bugandxbandme

Actually, he did shift at 25-2800 rpms the whole last tank. Also, I do a lot of coasting when I drive it. We are hoping that as we continue to drive slower the mileage will improve more. Thanks for the tips, all.

SentraSE-R

Keep your top speed at 55 mph for a full tank on a long trip, and you'll surely top 40 mpg. Kudos to you and your husband for trying. I'm surprised you only got >32 mpg. Must have had a lot of stop and go short city trips.

bugandxbandme

Looks like we might do ever better this tank. If the light doesn't come on before 310 miles or so I'll be happy.
By the way, are you (sentra se-r) running OEM plugs or something different? I know there are lots of threads on this subject but I was just wondering what your two cents was. There seems to be no consensus on whether spark plugs make much of a difference on your mpg, other than changing them regularly is important.

bB2NER

It's extreemly funny how people are so obsessed with stretching the fuel till their llight comes on instead of just going for a high average mpg over many tankfulls.

SentraSE-R

I'm running the original spark plugs in my xB. Spark plugs don't have any effect on mileage if they're the right type, gapped properly, and the ignition system is up to specs. OEM plugs are as good as, if not better than, most aftermarket plugs.

bB2NER

OEM plugs do alright but don't last very long. For max performance and mpgs it's hard to beat NGKs gapped at .044. Sure, they are more money but in the long run they will save you money.

kwicslvr

My last tank i was able to get 35.6mpg out of it. It is a 100 mile round trip to work for me and I kept it at 58-60mph. I typically go 65mph and average 30mpg in it. This is with 120,000 miles on the car and the 2 set of plugs (which I need to change out!)

ciscokid1970

This is the first car I have owned where the mileage is dependent on so many things.

I use the same gas pump, at the same gas station just about every time. I let it fill until it auto shuts off. I divide the miles driven by the gallons purchased.
Just about all of my driving is 50 % stop and go, 50% highway.

OK here is my summary.
1. Engine Oil: I change my oil at 4k, use castrol synthetic. Big difference noticed between fresh engine oil and old oil. 29mpg before oil change, 31mpg after oil change. DO NOT overfill

2. Spark Plugs: I change my plugs at 20k. Before change 28mpg, after change 31mpg. First time I replaced with NGK 2460 Resistor plug (similar to original), next will try NGK 2087 V groove.

3. Air filter: I changed the air filter the week before the plugs...only noticed 1mpg difference...I guess the filter was not dirty enough. Use Puralator stock filter.

4. Trans Fluid: will change it at 40k...Lets see what happens, will use synthetic.

Check your air pressure...can affect +/- 1 mpg easy.

During the winter I have to let the engine warm up a little before start moving. This burns fuel and affects mileage.

bB2NER

The only thing I see holding you back are using stock plugs instead of Irridiums gapped at .044" and sill using paper airfilters. Switching to a drop in K&N, removing the air snorkle and getting the right plugs should be good for about 5 mpgs according to what I've seen over the last couple years.
You didn't mention what tire pressures you run. I keep them at about 34-35 psi.