I have a 2002 Z28, basically stock, that has been getting 10mpg back and forth to work for the last few months (125 miles to a tank when the "check gauges" light comes on). Now, I only drive 1.6 miles each way to work and those miles are only back and forth from work. So, does that sound reasonable?

The car got about 26mpg all highway at ~75mph on the last long trip I took about a month ago (during the same time it has been getting 10mpg).

I think it is just the nature of my short little commute, but I wanted to make sure.

Thanks

Only 45k miles on the car.

 

Unless you're standing on it the entire way to work, I'd say that it does sound a little low.

I'm only 5 miles from work and I think I used a couple of gallons this week.

 

I'm shifting at 2,000 to 2,500rpm but I rarely and I do mean rarely, get into 4th gear on the way to work. Only 2nd or 3rd gear coming home from work and much of it in 1st (traffic).

 

Yes that's probabaly all you'll get on that short of a drive. 1.6 miles isn't far enough for it to get into closed loop or even close to warm enough for efficient opperation. Even a 40mpg econobox wouldn't get good mileage doing that.
You really should consider a bicycle or moped/scooter for your commute.

 

Like Al said, most of your driving will be in open loop. That means very poor gas milage due to running very rich. Your also building a ton of carbon inside the engine and you'll likely see "chocolate milkshake" residue on the top of the engine because you don't let it reach operating temperature to boil off accumulated moisture.

 

That's what I figured guys, just wanted to make sure.

Is there any cleaner you guys recommend that I could run through the car? She has been doing commuting duty for a year now.

Don't feel bad for the car though, her commuting duties will end next weekend and she will rest in the garage of the new house! At that point she will only see weekend and track duty.

And yes, I am trying to convince the wife that I need a motorcycle. I am making progress!

 

ZZtop , seafoam seems to be the most popular fuel system cleaner and you can get it at Advance Auto for about $6.00 a can . By the way , I worked in Greenville back in 1992 for a short time . You live in a beauitiful part of the country ! Good luck .

 

Yeah, this is correct.

 

yeah, seafoam is awesome I just did a full treatment to my car about 2 or so months ago...black smoke all over the place...pretty fun though