Improving on EPA Mileage Estimates

Re “EPA Mileage Estimates Running on Empty?,” Oct. 26: They can be wrong the other way too. In September 2002, I bought a new Toyota Tacoma pickup with four-wheel drive, five-speed manual transmission. The Environmental Protection Agency sticker said 17 miles per gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. It was about right.

At 20,000 miles, I changed to 100% synthetic oil. Highway miles per gallon increased to 21 at speeds of 65 miles per hour to 70 mph. At 33,000 miles, a mechanic widened the spark plug gap .007 over factory specs. Miles per gallon now averages 23 at 65 mph to 70 mph and has remained there for about 10,000 miles. Two easy and inexpensive changes and the miles per gallon increased 20%. At about 25,000 miles per year, and $2.40 per gallon, that’s a lot of bucks.

Tom Clayton

Santa Clarita