We were all talking about it before and had someone email me the other day about it, cause people don't understand why my fuel economy is a bit better the average.

Well after a year of driving around with this car, it didn't take a rocket scientist to see that the gears are not spaced out effiently for 3 and final drive.

Driving over 110 kph seems to throw the whole "economy" part out the window. But on top of that I find that one trick i do to ease my fuel consumption is to utilize Gear 2 at ever oportunity I get.

I have had people tell me that it will damage the transmission so this is the part where I warn you, this is a mixed bad and only true in certain situations, now if you ask anyone about a manual transmission, and they will say that the Clutch can possibly last you a million years or a few months depending on how you use it and using it correctly. (lol the thoughts memories of learning standard are coming back /Flashback/) ) but anyways, samething with your Autotranny in regards of utilizing the other gears / functions. I get almost 50 km more but using Gear 2 instead of gear (D) in regards to the first acceleration from a stop.
Leads to a better and more gradual acceleration and better fuel consumption.

Hell you guys know how much gas is used in stop and go traffic for example.

My only warning is not to use the Gear 2 beyond the speed ranges its ment for, and or using it on up hill slops can be no good, and using the damn thing to slow down. Don't use Auto tran gears for Gearing down/Engine braking. These transmissions are similar but not exactly the same logic.

I know a guy who refused to fix his brakes and used enginebreaking to decelerate lol cheap bastard hahahha

anyways enough of my ranting, you guys let me know what you think and if your interested in giving it a try let me know what you find. Fill a full tank of gas see how far you get before the yellow light.

Just becareful not to press the button on the autoshifter, just push it forward into to drive. the car can not go into reverse unless press the button and set it in to reverse. ANyone who plays with the shifter can see that.




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Mazda Pro. ES 2.0 / 2001