Hey, Im 18 and in the Air Force Res. I live bout 260 miles from my base, and so im driving and extra 520+ miles a month on my 2000 s40 volvo 1,9L turbo. I got the extended warnanty. What I am looking to do is improve gas milage and performance, W/out voiding my waranty. I was woundering if any one knew of any thing i could do. I'm looking for some what low cost, less than 1k. I'm talked to the dealer ship for a quick second they really didnt like the idea of doing to much to the motor... Please help, any Ideas or comments would be well appreacated. thank you for ur time


-A1c

 

Hi there A1c.

The biggest mpg factor is your driving style, but I'm sure you know that anyway.

You could remove any unnecessary accessories from the exterior of the car, such as roof rails, roof rack/roof box (you could even remove any spoilers) - reducing drag will give significant fuel savings, as will removing unnecessary items from the trunk etc. and any towbar (to reduce weight).

Tyre pressure is critical to good mpg. Check pressures every week & keep them at the recommended reading. Don't be tempted to over-inflate - dangerous for several reasons. Too low, even by 1 lb psi and fuel economy suffers i.e. the more below recommended pressure, the worse the mpg.

If the tyres need replacing, you can buy low rolling resistance "eco" tyres that can improve mpg by 5% or more.

After that, you could fit an after-market air filter that helps the engine "breathe" more easily. On its own no great increase in power, but mpg should improve.

Adding some fuel system/injector cleaner will increase efficiency, as will using a slightly thinner (fully synthetic) engine oil - ensure that it meets the viscosity needs of the ambient temperatures you'll be using it in.

Driving with windows/sunroof open increases drag, so try to keep them closed. Using electrical items such as lights, wipers, radio etc. makes the alternator work harder, dragging more bhp from the engine to turn the alternator drivebelt, so you end up depressing the throttle a little further to get the same acceleration/speed. Not suggesting you drive with no lights in the dark, just that you might consider turning off unnecessary items a.s.a.p.

I've seen figures suggesting that using aircon increases fuel consumption by up to 10%. If you have to use aircon, maybe consider setting it not quite as cool as usual.

There you go, better fuel economy for well under a grand, especially if you avoid traffic light grand prix!

Hope this helps.

BB

 

Thanks very much BB,
thxs for tips, i will use most of them, however i was looking for more up grades. The tips like the 'eco' tires I will most likely use. And the Air pressure in my tires i had forgot. So again thank you very much.

 

You're welcome. Do consider fitting a cone air filter, I've heard they do great things for fuel economy.

Regards.

BB

 

I'm planning on it, and I was thinking about a software upgrade, i heard they are really good for gas milage. However will that void my warrnty. I was told that the dealer couldnt tell, but im not sure, do you know any thing?...thanks again for your help BB
-a1c eddy

 

Dealer cannot easily tell, but if they look closely then they can tell that software is not standard/ECU has been "chipped". If a problem occurs which necessitates a software upgrade/reload or an in-depth look at the ECU then the warranty would be voided.

Regards.

BB