You Can Improve Your Gas Mileage
These days, with the price of gas on the rise, we hear a lot about fuel economy cars. Many drivers wonder if they are getting the best fuel economy possible for their vehicles. Is it possible to improve fuel economy, even for drivers who do not own so-called fuel economy cars? The answer is yes. By making some simple changes, you ca get more out of each tank of gas, whether you are driving an economy car or an SUV.
Many of the following tips may only slightly increase fuel economy, but by using several of them together, you will quickly see the gas mileage improvements add up.
- Maintenance Saves Money: There's no way around it. Drivers who take their vehicles in for regular service and maintenance experience fewer problems on the road. They also save money on gas. It makes sense that a vehicle with a poorly operating, inefficient engine will not have the best fuel economy.
- Keep Tires Pumped Up: Properly serviced vehicles are less likely to have under-inflated tires, another common cause of poor fuel economy. Keeping your tires inflated to your manufacturer's recommended tire pressure will save you pennies on each gallon, as will properly aligned wheels.
- Spot Trouble: Maintenance can also save drivers money by correcting problems that reduce fuel efficiency, or preventing problems from ever reducing gas mileage. Have your fluid levels and air filters checked and replaced regularly.
- Beat the Stop and Go: Most people know that fuel economy is lower in the city, but do you understand why? Pushing on the gas pedal and pushing on the brake pedal both use more gas than driving at a moderate, steady speed. Stopping frequently and accelerating again—as you do in the city, where there are more traffic lights—decreases your fuel economy.
- Plan to Save: A little advance planning can save you money in gas. If you know your route you are less likely to backtrack. Likewise, if you have the option to travel during off-peak hours to run errands, you won't spend time idling in traffic. If you are sitting in one place for more than a few minutes, turn your engine off to save fuel. Avoid “warming up” your car unless you live in a very cold area.
- Dump the Baggage: Even if you drive one of the most efficient fuel economy cars on the market, extra weight requires extra gas to move. The more you can clean out of your car, the less you will pay at the pump.
- Use the Cruise: Maintaining a regular, steady speed really does use less gas. When possible, use your cruise control to avoid variations in speed.
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