Q: I drive a 2010 Mazda 3 that has 47,000 miles. When I fill up I always reset the trip odometer and have typically gotten 300 +/- miles per tank and usually refill when the light comes on. The last 30 days without any other observable difference I am getting much better mileage traveling 450 miles +/tank. I even had the dealer check the odometer for accuracy. I have been so nervous that I refill when at 1/2 tank fearing the gas gauge is faulty but consistently I only need 6 gallons or so to fill it up. Is there any explanation for this? I suppose I should just be happy about it but have a long trip planned for October and do not want to sit on the side of the road out of gas.
— L.W., Orlando
A: Are you telling us that your fuel economy and driving range have improved by over 30 percent? That's beyond belief. Instead of asking us for advice, we suggest you contact Ripley's Believe it of Not at ripleys.com.
Q: Recently, I had two problems with my 2000 Chevy Malibu. I had the A/C compressor replaced and the intake gasket set replaced (gasket replaced because of a coolant leak) at the same service appointment. Was it necessary to have the oil, oil filter, and air filter replaced as part of these services? I'm sure replacing the air filter wasn't mandatory. I would like your opinion concerning this before I question the shop who did the work.
— J.A., Allentown, Pa.
A: We would probably have changed the oil and filter after the plenum gasket repair since there is a chance that coolant had entered the crankcase. And, since the air cleaner housing had to be removed, it is good a preventive service to drop a new filter in. Now, if they had tried to sell you new giggle pins, we would feel differently.
Q: I have a 2009 Honda Pilot and it has the low tire pressure warning system. Is it safe to use the pressurized air sealant if you have this option in your car?
— A.G., Chicago
A: The new generation of tire sealants are compatible with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) devices. Check the can's label to verify that it is TPMS safe. If you have any old sealants, toss them out or use them for you lawn tractor.
Q: Three years ago I purchased a home generator and filled the tank and a five gallon can with gas. Since then I have run the generator for ten minutes every four months. At the same time I give both containers a few squirts of Stabil. I have no trouble starting the generator. Should I be concerned about the old gas? Should I drain and replenish the generator gas? Is it OK to put the old gas in my 2011 Toyota Avalon or my Geo?
— R.R., Des Plains, Ill.
A: It is not a bad idea to get rid of stale gasoline, even though you have use a fuel stabilizer. Either drain the generator or run it dry. You should have no problem adding the old gas to a nearly full tank in either of your vehicles. It sure beats pouring it on the ground or down a storm sewer and polluting the environment.
Q: I will be in the market for a new pickup truck in the spring and have pretty much settled on a Ford F150. Although I'm not sure if it will be a Lariat or XLT, it will be a SuperCab with a 6.5 ft. bed. I don't intend to purchase a 4-wheel-drive truck since I live in slower, Lower Delaware where we seem to have relatively mild winters with only a little snow. My question relates to the EcoBoost engine. Do you feel it is worth the investment of the additional purchase price over the stock V-8? I have read pros and cons about the engine and as a result am confused as to its worth. It seems to get better mileage over the V-8 but if it requires high test gasoline I think it would take a long time to break even on the purchase price vs. the higher cost for premium gasoline.
— P.A., Millsboro, Del.
A: The EcoBoost engine does not require premium fuel; it will run fine on regular, but won't run on E85 like the other engines. Although you say you are not interested in the 4WD version, Consumer Guide reported that they got 16.2 mpg on a 4WD model with the 5.0-liter V-8 compared to an EcoBoost V-6-powered crew cab that averaged 15.7 mpg in similar driving conditions. We suggest you also check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov where you can compare vehicles' fuel economy side-by-side. We found that the V-6 was rated at 18 mpg combined city and highway ($3,150 annual fuel cost) while the V-8 was rated at 14 mpg ($4,050 annual fuel cost).
Q: I noticed that the article on E10 vs. E85 has a picture of a sign claiming "not gasoline" 85% ethanol. How stupid are these people? And it is misleading an already incredibly stupid public? E85 is 85 percent gasoline, not 85 percent ethanol so it is still gasoline. The format to describe this new formula should be consistent and be called E15.
— D.I., Chicago
A: We can't blame you for being confused. We live in a world where almost everything has been truncated or abbreviated. Pizza is now just 'za. Tattoos are tats. Even numerals such as 2 and 4 are subbed for the words "to" (or two or too) and "for." ABRS is even an abbreviation for "abbreviations.' So it is no surprise that motor fuels have alpha-numeric designations. E85 is not gasoline, but a fuel that is mostly alcohol. It is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E10 is 10 percent ethanol. E15 is 15 percent ethanol. CUL8R.
