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12 Easy Ways To Improve Fuel Economy
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| Fight back with these money-saving tips |
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| Updated |
Jul 7, 2004 20:36:35 |
| Rating |
 25 ( -6 -24% ) |
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Description:
Although
manufacturers have made tremendous fuel
economy gains and improved performance,
why waste money and natural resources
when it's so simple 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. We may soon be
paying more for gas, and all our
current indifference to fuel economy
may come to a screeching halt....
Check
out the following twelve tips. Try
ones that could be easily adapted to
your own driving and maintenance
habits.
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.
Keep
a Log: Track
fuel economy changes so you have a
means of comparison. 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.
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.
Weight
Watchers:
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.
Fill'r
Up, Not Over:
When
you buy gas, stop when the pump
shuts off automatically (unless you
know that it did so
prematurely).
Don't
be Idle: Modern,
fuel-injected engines do not need to
be warmed up, and unnecessary idling
wastes fuel. Just take it easy for
the first couple miles.
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.
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.
Plan
Trips
Plan errands for maximum efficiency.
This technique will also save you a
lot of time.
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.
Cruise
Control:
On long trips where traffic permits,
use your cruise control. A constant
speed is more efficient than what
you can maintain manually.
Low
Grades:
Don't waste money on premium gas if
your car doesn't require it. Consult
your owner's manual for the factory
octane recommendations. Use the
lowest octane gas that doesn't cause
excessive engine knocking.
Read up about the top ten mileage-busting vehicles on the road today |
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