DIY: Fuel Economy Gauge for your car (to lower your car's fuel consumption)

**ghosthunter** · November 8th, 2010 03:29 PM

Do you want to improve your car's fuel economy and you think you have tried all you can with your car?

Have you tried installing a fuel economy gauge on your car?

A simple vacuum gauge will do.

You just have to remember which values are for poor, fair, and good fuel economy.

0-5 - poor
6-10 - fair
11 - 17 - good
18 - 23 - idle

----------------------------------------

Why a vacuum gauge? Because it gives the driver a visual reference how his "foot" will result in what kind of fuel consumption. This is only a reference to the driver.

If the driver ignores the gauge, then the gauge is pointless.

BTW, this assumes your engine is in 100% working order and have no vacuum/pressure leaks from the valves, manifold, hoses, etc.

**torogi kid** · November 8th, 2010 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

Do you want to improve your car's fuel economy and you think you have tried all you can with your car?

Have you tried installing a fuel economy gauge on your car?

A simple vacuum gauge will do.

You just have to remember which values are for poor, fair, and good fuel economy.

0-5 - poor
6-10 - fair
11 - 17 - good
18 - 23 - idle

----------------------------------------

Why a vacuum gauge? Because it gives the driver a visual reference how his "foot" will result in what kind of fuel consumption. This is only a reference to the driver.

If the driver ignores the gauge, then the gauge is pointless.

BTW, this assumes your engine is in 100% working order and have no vacuum/pressure leaks from the valves, manifold, hoses, etc.

ok ito a, how does this work? where will you install the gauge? will it tell instantly that the driver has a heavy foot, or after a period of time?

**vinj** · November 9th, 2010 04:36 PM

I think the VDO Gas Control gauge works with the same principle. My Tito used to have one in all his rides before and he is able to get quite good FC as he can see which gear useage and pedal inputs gives optimal economy. This is were i first discovered that short shifting and lugging the engine (such as what taxi drivers do) is less efficient then driving steadily and shifting at the proper rpm range (gas flow is reduced as the car gets into its optimal power band).

Borrowed the photo from an online ad:

**ghosthunter** · November 9th, 2010 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by torogi kid

ok ito a, how does this work?

It's basically a vacuum gauge. The higher the manifold vacuum pressure, the better fuel economy you get. At zero pressure, it pretty much means your throttle is open 100% or near that.

The gauge works pretty much as a feedback system to the driver. It would tell the driver if what he is doing will give good or bad fuel mileage.

where will you install the gauge?

The gauge can be installed anywhere on your dashboard, best in plain view. You will need to have a hose attached from the gauge to your car's intake manifold. You would need to find an unused vacuum "port" or use a T-fitting to splice into an existing vacuum line.

will it tell instantly that the driver has a heavy foot, or after a period of time?

The gauge will immediately tell the driver if what he is doing will result in good or bad fuel mileage.

**kinyo** · November 9th, 2010 08:13 PM

naturally, it would confirm the #1 fuel economy tip ... a light foot on the pedal

**ghosthunter** · November 9th, 2010 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by kinyo

naturally, it would confirm the #1 fuel economy tip ... a light foot on the pedal

True... but at least now you would be a visual aid to know how "light" is light enough.

**vinj** · November 9th, 2010 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

True... but at least now you would be a visual aid to know how "light" is light enough.

True, and from my experience using the car with the VDO gauge with m/t tranny (back then it was a Space Wagon m/t and Corolla AE92 m/t), its not just about a light foot but it shows you what gear to keep it in, as we tend to try to upshift at the earliest time possible if we're on eco mode, and when is the best time to shift in various road and load conditions.

GH, you planning to install one in your ride? I actually wanted to buy that VDO gauge up for sale before.

**ghosthunter** · November 9th, 2010 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by vinj

GH, you planning to install one in your ride? I actually wanted to buy that VDO gauge up for sale before.

I already have a vacuum gauge installed in my corolla. I had it since the end of my acetone tests and before I had my Auto-LPG kit installed. So its been many years na.

I just started this thread just to "spread the knowledge".