North American Motoring

Mini Cooper: How to Maximize Your MPG

Learn a few tricks for getting the most MPG out of your Mini. Less time at the pump means more time enjoying your car.

By Ryan Christian - June 29, 2016

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2001-Present).

No matter who you are, chances are you would like to get better fuel economy. There's not a single person who starts running low on gasoline, and thinks to themselves, "Oh boy, I'm really going to love spending my hard earned money on a tank of gas!" If you happen to be the rare exception, I'd really like to know your secret. For everyone else though, filling up is a chore that we really would rather not go through, and for all of you, it's your lucky day. In this article we'll go over a few tips and tricks on maximizing the fuel economy and keeping your trips to the pump as far apart as possible.

#1 – Drive sensibly

Nothing too overwhelmingly complicated here. Pinning the throttle to the floor every time you set off from a traffic light, revving the motor up around redline, and driving like you just stepped off of an F1 track are all great ways to drain your fuel tank. Truth is, driving calmly, and with a bit less adrenaline inducing attitude will help you save precious gas between fill ups. Learning correct throttle pressure takes time and practice, so don't fret.

Figure 1. There goes half a tank of gas.

#2 – Use proper tire pressure

Writing this particular piece of advice always feels like déjà vu. The purchase of a tire pressure gauge can help tremendously when adding in the correct amount of air from a pump. Adhere to the info sticker on the door jamb for the pressure specs if you still have the stock wheels and tire size listed.

Figure 2. Read the sticker, save money at the pump. Easy as that.

#3 – Use more efficient tires

Speaking of fuel saving tricks involving tires, here's a thought: switch to a tire designed for fuel efficiency. Most tires are designed to handle specific conditions, or to just be cheap, but there are special tires designed specifically to reduce rolling resistance. Bridgestone for example has an entire line of tires designed with this very thing in mind called the "Ecopia" series. Just like the "Potenza" tires are made for performance junkies, "Ecopia" tires are there just for the fuel misers.

Figure 3. Maybe not the picture of performance, but they'll save you gas money!

Pro Tip

There are many other "low resistance" tires offered than just what Bridgestone has.

#4 – Remap your computer

For this one, it's a matter of priorities. For a lot of Mini drivers, the performance of the car was a huge draw, and for those drivers, this step is not a good idea. For everyone else though, you're in luck! A quick remap of your ECU can give you a boost of fuel efficiency at the cost of some performance, which is honestly about the same concept as buying a Toyota Prius when you think about it. Unlike buying a Prius, though, you'll still have a car that is great fun to drive, that you love, and you'll be getting even more miles for your money.

Figure 4. This little guy can save you money if you have it set up right.

#5 – Keep up with your maintenance

Making sure all your maintenance is performed on schedule will help keep your engine in good working order, and when you take care of your engine, it takes care of you. Having an engine lose performance due to a dirty air filter, or old oil will also cost you precious MPG, and nobody wants that.

Figure 5. This guy can help keep you on the road more and at the pump less.

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