Does turning off overdrive increase gas mileage?

Question

I have a 2005 ford explorer and it gets crap for fuel mileage. If i turn off my overdrive and skid control will it increase my mileage? Currently it gets 15 mpg even if it is increased to 16 mpg by doing this i would like to know because it currently is costing me 65 dollars a week to fill. Keep in mind i have a family of four so buying a midsize car is out if the question at this point in time.

the_boy_toy · Accepted Answer

No. Overdrive is fourth gear for your vehicle. Why would you want to drive down the highway in third gear. Skid control is only activated when the vehicle is actually skidding so turning that off will not save you any money either. For a Ford Explorer, $65/week is not too bad, I spend $110/week.

Jim John · Answer

Keep it on.

The more gears you have, the more gears the car has to divide its power band up efficiently.

Overdrive is there to increase mpg! Most car makes say that in the manual. But I guess no one ever reads the manual haha.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi 
actually the overdrive is saving you money this is what this truck does due i guess to needing an over due service a costly thing also but that will improve the fuel consumption as air filter is probably blocked.

mdk68gto, ase certified m tech · Answer

leave the over drive on. turning it off will drop your mileage. 65 dollars a week is not too bad with 1 gallon costing 4 bucks.

Wes · Answer

Check other things...like tire air pressure, tune-up with quality parts, air filter, driving habits....

Asdse Aseww · Answer

yah overdrive and traction controll made my 95 eclipse get 17mpg highway when its suppose to get 30 mpg so you could possibly try turning it off to see... who knows

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Does turning off overdrive increase gas mileage?

6 Answers