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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend May 25, 2005 Since You Asked Don’t waste your gas in wrong gear If I am driving 55 mph going uphill and I have to floor the gas pedal to maintain that speed I burn a certain amount of gasoline. If I make the transmission change to a lower gear, I find I can go up at the same speed but with a lighter foot on the throttle. My question is: Which method is most likely to take less gasoline? High gear heavy throttle, or lower gear and lighter throttle? — Gary S., Medford Is this a trick question, Gary? It sounds to us like you answered it yourself. When you put your foot to the floor you’re burning more fuel, no matter what gear you’re in. Think about how much gas you would have to give your rig to get up to 30 or 40 mph in first and maintain that speed. That should tell you something. If you push the accelerator to the floor and hold it there, your gas gauge is going down and so is your mileage. A full explanation of how gears work is beyond our staff’s poor powers of description — and the limitations of this space. Suffice to say that the highest gear generally gives the best mileage, but it isn’t always suitable to get you uphill without additional fuel. Advertisement The answer? Grab a lower cog and ease up on the throttle. As for mileage in general, the American Automobile Association says most vehicles get their best mileage somewhere between 40 and 60 mph. The "sweet spot" is different for every rig, determined by a combination of factors such as aerodynamics, engine design, and gearing. Good luck in finding yours! Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s