Going far on a tank of gas

ehidle

Member
:
2008 Mazda 3i Touring
On my way back to Philly from Atlanta on Sunday, I stopped at a rural gas station to fill up. I managed to get the tank full all the way to the top of the neck of the fuel inlet.

The result? almost 300 miles on the first 1/2 tank (indicated). I still haven't filled up. It's at about 400 with just over 1/4 tank left on the needle. My guess is I'll get more than 500 out of this tank. w00t!

P1000894.JPG
 
Well, in all fairness, I do have the 2.0L engine and a 5-speed. Plus, I am a more conservative driver, so that helps as well. I pretty much kept it at 65 the whole way.

edit: my super challenge now is that the rest of this tank will be driven on secondary roads (30-45mph) so I have to be super careful. I usually get 30-32mpg under these conditions, so we'll see how it works out.
 
Last edited:
Right about where I thought - just under 400 miles with 1/4 tank to go.

Will I make 500? Personally, I think it's going to be very very close given how fast the needle takes off below 1/4 tank. I'm going to put a 2.5 gallon can in the trunk just in case I run it dry trying for 500 hah...
 

Attachments

  • 400miles.webp
    400miles.webp
    12.3 KB · Views: 572
You can do it - you just have to get the gas all the way full, as in to the top of the filler. Then, you have to drive like grandma - accelerate as slowly as possible, as this is where cars waste most of their gas.

Update - the fuel light came on at 450 miles, and it's just one tick above E. I know I have about 50 miles left when the light comes on, so man is this ever going to be CLOSE!

I've been shifting at 1800-2000 RPM and just accelerating as slowly as the horn-honkers behind me will permit. :)

edit: If you have a vacuum gauge, you can set yourself a "do not exceed" point and that will save you a TON of money on gas.
 
Last edited:
You can do it - you just have to get the gas all the way full, as in to the top of the filler. Then, you have to drive like grandma - accelerate as slowly as possible, as this is where cars waste most of their gas.

The snow birds would run me off the road, if I used the interstate ever I might be able to!
 
My God, this is going to be CLOSE. 483 miles and running on fumes, I think. I can see the needle swing back and forth when I turn, now, which means there is very little gas left in the tank. I am very very nervous. I need there to be 1/2 gallon left in the tank, and honestly I don't think there is. I am not even sure there is enough to get me 4 miles away to the gas station!
 

Attachments

  • 500miles.webp
    500miles.webp
    59.4 KB · Views: 580
I'm really going to try and beat that now without being on the interstate all the time, just under normal conditions Go ME! (pullup)
 
Bring it! :D

I am afraid to drive it this morning. Haha.. I still haven't gotten a gas can so if I run out, I am screwed. I think I may take my truck around town today and pick up a 5gal can while I'm out. I really want to make 500. Haha..
 
So, now the question is... I have a 2 gallon can of gas in the back... do I just keep driving until I run out?

I doubt you suckers are going to be able to beat me, anyway, so maybe I'll just quit while I'm ahead ;)
 
So, now the question is... I have a 2 gallon can of gas in the back... do I just keep driving until I run out?

I doubt you suckers are going to be able to beat me, anyway, so maybe I'll just quit while I'm ahead ;)

Congrats, man. That's really cool! (cool) I'd never hit 500. My foot is too heavy. (drive2)

You might want to pull your fuel filter and clean it out. I'm sure you're sucking sediment by now. Just sayin'...
 
alright, i'm going to fill the tank today and try to break that mark.
I'm at a little disadvantage though, I have a 2.3L hatch, but i'll try
EHIDLE, I'M COMIN' FOR YA!!! LOL
 
alright, i'm going to fill the tank today and try to break that mark.
I'm at a little disadvantage though, I have a 2.3L hatch, but i'll try
EHIDLE, I'M COMIN' FOR YA!!! LOL

BRING IT, FOOL!

I will give you a 10% handicap for the larger engine and the weight of the hatch. So, if you can beat 450, I'll call you the winner. Deal?

My car ended up holding just over 15 gallons for the 500 miles. I have the slip out in the car and will post actual numbers tomorrow.
 
Back