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Driving Light
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| A Dozen Easy Ways to Improve Fuel Economy |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 18:07:50 |
| Rating |
 51 ( -10 -19.6% ) |
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Description:
Driving Light:
A Dozen Easy Ways To Improve Fuel Economy
By Bruce Caldwell
Fuel economy is a bit like dental hygiene --it's not a very popular or glamorous subject, but you know that you should pay closer attention. Good dental care is largely about getting in the habit of doing a few little things each day. The same goes for fuel economy improvement. Minimal effort on your part can yield great results.
The current laziness about fuel economy probably has something to do with the American public's collective amnesia about the seventies' gas crisis. Remember the long lines and high anxiety associated with getting enough gas to make it to the next gas station? You couldn't give away a full-size car then, but fuel-sipping imports were bringing premium prices. Big gas-guzzling cars are again back in favor --only now they're rugged sport utilities instead of giant station wagons and big sedans. Manufacturers, admittedly, have made tremendous fuel economy gains and improved performance. Gas prices are relatively stable and today's consumers seem comfortable paying more than a dollar for a gallon of gas. People were outraged when gas prices shot past fifty cents in the seventies. Would two dollars per gallon elicit a similar reaction today? All this mileage indifference may seem acceptable, but, really --why waste money and natural resources when it's actually so easy to improve fuel economy. The excellent efficiency of modern cars means that a single change won't bring about dramatic results, but a combination of small changes will noticeably improve fuel economy. Plus, it may help you get ready for the new international regulations about greenhouse gas emissions that should take effect in the next few years.
Consider the following twelve tips and adopt those which suit your own driving and maintenance habits.
1. A LIGHT FOOT--Smooth driving is an easy way to improve fuel economy. Hard starts and stops are wasteful. Look ahead and plan ahead: don't race up to a red light only to stop and wait for it to change.
2. KEEP A LOG--It's hard to track fuel economy changes if you don't have a means of comparison. There are fuel economy log books, but an inexpensive 4x6-inch spiral-bound notebook works fine. Check your gas mileage every time you fill up. Note new techniques to see if they work. A consistent, year-round log is best because winter weather can lower fuel economy. A fuel economy log is a great way to keep track of maintenance schedules. If you notice that mileage figures are falling, it's probably time for a tune-up.
3. GOOD INFLATION--Drivers waste millions of gallons of fuel each year due to under-inflated tires. Maintaining optimum tire inflation is one of the best things you can do to increase fuel economy. Inflate your tires to the upper limit of the manufacturer's recommendations. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold for accurate, consistent readings. Invest in a quality tire gauge like a dial model with a bleeder valve.
4. WEIGHT WATCHERS--A key reason that compact cars get better gas mileage than 15-passenger vans is their lighter weight. It, obviously, takes more energy (gas) to move a heavier object. Inspect your trunk and remove any unnecessary junk. Don't carry chains in the summer. When it snows, keep the snow off the roof and trunk of your car. Snow can be very heavy. Slush around the wheel wells is also very heavy.
5. FILL'ER UP. NOT OVER--When you buy gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically (unless you know that it did so prematurely). Don't keep squeezing in more gas until it runs over. Spilled gas is bad for the environment and wastes money. Gas at the top of the filler neck can leak, especially on cars with caps behind the license plate.
6. DON'T BE IDLE--Unnecessary idling wastes fuel. Modern, fuel-injected engines don't need to be warmed up. Just take it easy for the first couple miles. If the line at the Burger Barn drive-through window is very long, park and order inside. Avoid congested traffic areas whenever possible.
7. IN TUNE--Keep your car in top mechanical shape. It will run better, last longer, and return better fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. You can check the air filter by holding it up to a bright light. If it looks clogged or obviously dirty, replace it. Air filters are very inexpensive at national chain stores such as K-Mart, Wal- Mart, and Target. Keep tabs on the fuel filter, also.
8. BUSY GAS STATIONS--Whenever possible, buy your gas at a high volume station. Since their tanks are refilled often, you're less likely to get gas with water, rust or other impurities. Bad gas hurts mileage figures. Busy stations are more likely to have frequent pump accuracy inspections so you get what you paid for.
9. SKIP TRIPS--The best way to improve fuel economy is to limit driving. Plan errands for maximum efficiency. Stop and consider if a particular trip is really necessary or if it can be postponed and combined with another outing. This technique will also save you a lot of time.
10. STRAIGHT AHEAD--Be sure that your front suspension is properly aligned. Poor alignment increases tire friction, causes premature tire wear, and requires extra gas to move the vehicle. Take advantage of tire shops that advertise free alignment inspections so you know if you need suspension maintenance. Watch for coupon specials on alignments.
11. CRUISE CONTROL--On long trips where traffic permits, use your cruise control. A constant speed is more efficient than what you can maintain manually.
12. LOW GRADES--Don't waste money on premium gas if your car doesn't require it. Consult your owners manual for the factory octane recommendations. Use the lowest octane gas that doesn't cause excessive engine knocking.
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