Protege Gas Mileage Thread

does the first 1/2 tank consume less than the 2nd 1/2, or are they about the same with regards to consumption? If you fill to the brim you get a few extra miles in that first tank correct?
 
Last edited:
does the first 1/2 tank consume less than the 2nd 1/2, or are they about the with regards to consumption? If you fill to the brim you get a few extra miles correct in that first tank correct?

huh?

the gauge is not linear with respect to consumption - its really just there for reference.
 
huh?

the gauge is not linear with respect to consumption - its really just there for reference.

The reason I asked this question is b/c I am a new owner of an '02 Protege LX. Had for almost a month. I haven't filled up yet b/c I don't drive to work and take long trips. I average maybe 15-25 miles/day, so when the light comes on I just drive to a station and put in 10 bucks. I've done this 4x since purchasing it on 4/7/10. I'm a little crazy and I'm waiting to have it cleaned before I start driving consistently, which is why I didn't bother filling up yet.I haven't been keeping detailed records but bascially for running errands going to stores, church places not too far from the house.

Just about 1/2 tank gets me 90-95. I got 140 two weeks ago and that was b/c my job had me going on audits and I was doing highway driving. I'm concerned that this isn't normal, and wondering if b/c I'm putting just about 1/2 a tank is the reason for the low amount. When I had my focus and I filled up, it would be above the fill mark and that would give about 30-40 miles b4 starting at F on the guage. Which is why I asked if the first 1/2 tank yields more than the 2nd 1/2. Ofcourse until I go through a full tank I won't know for sure, but I was just curious if you notice 2nd 1/2 going faster than the 1st.

Sorry if you guys feel this is a stupid question
 
Last edited:
The reason I asked this question is b/c I am a new owner of an '02 Protege LX. Had for almost a month. I haven't filled up yet b/c I don't drive to work and take long trips. I average maybe 15-25 miles/day, so when the light comes on I just drive to a station and put in 10 bucks. I've done this 4x since purchasing it on 4/7/10. I'm a little crazy and I'm waiting to have it cleaned before I start driving consistently, which is why I didn't bother filling up yet.I haven't been keeping detailed records but bascially for running errands going to stores, church places not too far from the house.

Just about 1/2 tank gets me 90-95. I got 140 two weeks ago and that was b/c my job had me going on audits and I was doing highway driving. I'm concerned that this isn't normal, and wondering if b/c I'm putting just about 1/2 a tank is the reason for the low amount. When I had my focus and I filled up, it would be above the fill mark and that would give about 30-40 miles b4 starting at F on the guage. Which is why I asked if the first 1/2 tank yields more than the 2nd 1/2. Ofcourse until I go through a full tank I won't know for sure, but I was just curious if you notice 2nd 1/2 going faster than the 1st.

Sorry if you guys feel this is a stupid question

yes, the fuel gauge is non-linear. the best way to judge your fuel economy is to fill the tank. anything less will give you a worst guess, at best.
 
Car: 2003 Protege LX
Mods: none
Miles: around 90,000
Mileage: upper 20's, but recently getting upper 30's
Location: Colorado

Sorry to bump a thread that hasn't been updated in a couple of months. In the past month or so, I've noticed that my gas mileage has increased quite a bit (definitely not complaining.) I've done quite a bit of maintenance work on my car in the past couple of months, so the increase in mileage could be because of any combination of things: New intake manifold and fuel rail (VICS recall), new spark plugs, new timing belt and water pump, new accessory belts, and I started using Lucas oil treatment in the last oil change. Has anyone else noticed a difference running Lucas oil treatment?
 

Similar Threads and Articles

New Threads and Articles

Back