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Chevrolet Cobalt Real World MPG

304 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2012 at 5:39 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Cobalt Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Cobalt, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 28 of 31

#265 of 304 tire pressure by elias

Apr 22, 2009 (4:41 am)

32 psi is considered overinflating? Not by me!
What are the PSI recommendations listed on the doorframe?
I prefer 34 psi for my vehicles, and 34 is within the range specified on the doorframe for max-speed or max-load operation.

#266 of 304 PCV, Tires by steve333

Apr 22, 2009 (10:26 am)

Oil Change places always go for the replace PCV valve line, but you notice your dealer will never recommend it. It isn't necessary.
As for the tires, the door jam says 30, my dealer and Discount Tire always puts them on 35 but I prefer to keep them on 32.

#267 of 304 Re: tire pressure [elias] by laserblue

Apr 22, 2009 (10:34 am)

Replying to: elias (Apr 22, 2009 4:41 am)
The tire's p.s.i. is calculated differently from a model of car to another. My 2007 Cobalt door frame says 30 p.s.i.
  I also own a 2005 Equinox this one is 35 p.s.i. and for my show car... a 1977 Chevelle Malibu Classic the door frame p.s.i. requirements are at 24 p.s.i.
  If I take your example of 32 p.s.i. well for my Equinox it would by "under inflated" but for my Chevelle it would be well "overinfalted".
  Don't go by what's written on the tire (like most people do) that's the max-speed and max-load operation of the tire. Always go by the car's door frame recommendations.
  By the way...you didn't mention what type of car you drive.

#268 of 304 06 Cobalt LS by pa356228

Apr 23, 2009 (11:58 pm)

My doorframe says 30 psi but the tires says never to exceed 40 psi. Strange world. Guess we will never know. Funny how the world works, but my advice I can give is just go what best suits you.
 
My uncle is a mechanic, for his cars he always put 32 psi in all his tires and even with my cars. He never had problems with 32. Today, I set all my tires at 30 psi, according to the doorframe and see how well that goes for gas mileage and tires for a week or two. Also, some tire shops, have hydrogen tires which they said will also increase gas improvements and last longer than original tires.
 
 Also, I drive a 2006 Chevy Colbalt LS (4-doors sedan) now with 51,303 miles. I will take my car in for an oil change on tuesday and going on a long trip on wednesday VB,VA to Pittsburgh, PA (450 miles or 8 hrs) and will calculate m/g/mph to accurate mpg. I'll post results.

#269 of 304 Re: 06 Cobalt LS [pa356228] by tsjay

Apr 24, 2009 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: pa356228 (Apr 23, 2009 11:58 pm)
I think you mean nitrogen, not hydrogen.
 
The same tires are used on different vehicles, and the max pressure indicated on the tire itself is not indicative of where the pressure should be run on a particular vehicle; it just means that that pressure should not be exceeded.
 
The optimum air pressure is very much related to the vehicle weight. For lighter vehicles, less air pressure is needed, and for heavier vehicles, higher air pressure is needed.
 
What you are looking for is a good "footprint." You want the tread all the way across the tire to be in contact with the road. Over-inflation makes only the tread in the middle of the tire make contact with the road and will cause the tread to wear more in the middle. Low air pressure will make the inside and outside tread make more contact with the road, and the edges will wear out faster.
 
Some people actually rub chalk across the tread, drive a few feet, and then check the footprint the chalk made. Not too many people go to that much trouble. Just stick with the manufacturer's recommendation, and you should be OK.
 
Tom

#270 of 304 Good Point by pa356228

Apr 25, 2009 (12:16 am)

That is a good way to look at things, meaning that the companies who make these cars suggest putting a sticker of tire pressure psi on the doorframe, why not use it?
 
If we didn't, why would the company waste time and money on something that we won't bother with. Most people who cares about their vehicles would love to get most out of their money. Everyone should do the same, especially when the economy is bad and will only get worst.
 
Of course, some people don't care that much about their vehicle and would rather buy tires if they absolutely have to. (to pass state inspections) Why would spend extra money for lazyness. Never really give enough thought about it, until now. Thanks Tom.

#271 of 304 psi by elias

Apr 30, 2009 (7:13 pm)

I've done the tire-chalk test in years past, with a Z28...
 I like it when street cars wear the tires perfectly flat like my 5 3rd, 4th gen f-body/Z28 cars always did.
 
currently I drive an 06 VW jetta, and an 05 Pontiac GTO, both manual shift.
The VW wears the tires nice & flat. GTO not so.
Anyway, I really like the blue cobalts and would consider one at some point (with manual shifter of course).
 
i'd bet that cobalts wear the tires nice & evenly, if you select the right PSI and
only participate in drifting exhibitions every *other* weekend.

#272 of 304 38-40 on the road by dispencer2

May 14, 2009 (5:39 pm)

I was suprised on my last trip from Clovis to Albuquerque. I stayed at about 68 mph until I reached the Interstate at Clines Corners and got 40 on an average for about 100 miles. Total average for the trip was around 38 .Altitudes are relatively high - 4300' at Clovis and I think that Albuquerque is around 5,000.. The drive is hilly only when you are going through the Sandias just east of Albuquerque. I have the small 4 and automatic on an LT1 coupe. The car has around 3500 miles on it. I am very critical when it comes to cars. I disliked the jerky transmission on my 06 Impala and finally sold it. I bought the Cobalt last September and have no complaints at all except for very little CD storage in the console. The ride isn't much different than the Impala. The electric steering is tricky at high speeds -you need to keep your mind on the road. A slight deviation and you are in the other lane. Pickup is fine as long as you realize you don't have a Maserati when you pass someone. All in all it is a great car. I am really suprised that Chevy is dumping it. I won't get a Cruse until they build a coupe.and probably by the time I sell the Cobalt the Cruse will be a thing of the past.

#273 of 304 Just got back from vacation by pa356228

May 19, 2009 (1:24 pm)

Got back 3 days ago. Anyways, I drove from Virginia Beach, VA to Sarver, PA and it took me 9 hours or 454 miles. Had to stop once for fuel, at Sheetz in Breezewood, PA for $1.93 /gal on Route 522 W. Anyways, When I got to Sarver, PA my car calculated 35.8 mpg mostly highway driving at 60 mph.
 
When I drove back to Virginia Beach, VA at 65 mph, it took 8 hours and 13 mins. (443 miles) My car calculated 35.3 mpg, and never had to stop for fuel. Drive straight thru. At tire(s) pressure set at 30psi according to the doorframe. I can't complain. Intending on moving back up there before June 2009, it was great.

#274 of 304 2007 Chevolet Cobalt MPG by gigimj

May 22, 2009 (11:36 am)

Just wanted to comment ... I drive 75-80 miles round trip to work daily in city/hwy traffic in Dallas/FtWorth .. I average 32-33 mpg. I have a Cobalt sedan 2007. My daughter has a Cobalt coupe 2007. I just took a trip to Houston last weekend driving 60 mph with no AC on with some rain and averaged 41.3 mpg with an average speed of 57 calculated by the onboard computer in the car. When I first got the car I went to Atlanta GA and averaged over 37 mpg I remember. The car has 45,000 plus miles on it now and 2 yrs old .. yes I drive a lot! I just had the car inspected, oil and oil filter changed, all new tires, new fuel filter, new air filter, and new wiper inserts. I'm driving to Houston again this weekend ... hoping for even better milage this time ... maybe better then 42 mpg!!! Anyway just wanted to say how impressed I am with this Cobalt ... bought it new 2 yrs ago a week after my daughter bought her coupe. I'm 62 nearly and have owned a lot of cars in my time. Once I would not go near a Chevolet ... that has changed! I have had in my lifetime a 1966 Olds Cutlass 442, 1967 Corvett, 1968 Corvett, 1972 Toyota Celica, 1973 Toyota Corona, 1974 Toyota Corona, 1976 Fiat, 1977 Buick Regal Tubo, 1978 Audi 2000S, 1980 Mazda RX7, 1982 Honda Accord, 1985 Ford F250 HD SuperCab Diesel, 1988 Mitsubishi Pickup, 1994 Jeep Cherokee, 1998 Ford EddieBauer Explorer which I still have with just over 149,000 miles and my 2007 Chevy Cobalt. All these vehicles were bought new from first to last. My 1966 442 got 17 mpg, my 1972 Celica got better then 32 mpg, and my Chevy Cobalt better then 41 mpg .... yeaaaaa!
 
How are the rest of you doing with the Cobalt??????
 
Thanks
Gigi

Messages Page 28 of 31

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