These days, every little bit you can save at the pump helps especially if you’re planning a long haul. So how can you get the most bang for your gas buck?
1. Keep up with preventative maintenance.
It’s a simple fact: Well–maintained rides are more fuel efficient. Be sure to:
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Use the correct oil for your vehicle and style of driving. Heavy (high viscosity) oil will cause your car’s engine to work harder. Use the lightest grade of oil for your climate and season. Consult your owner’s manual to find out what grade is best suited for you.
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Maintain tire pressure and inspect tires. Every other fill, inspect your tires for under–inflation and excessive tread wear. Be sure to check manufacturer’s specifications/owner’s manual for proper inflation and rotation schedules. Also, consider low–profile tires. Larger tires can greatly reduce fuel efficiency.
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Make sure your coolant is mixed properly. Improperly mixed engine coolant can cause your engine to run hot and hamper fuel economy.
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Replace dirty filters. Dirty or clogged air and fuel filters can cause your car to work harder. A new and properly functioning air or fuel filter will provide better gas mileage.
Replace old or faulty spark plugs, which can reduce fuel economy by as much as 30%.
2. Lighten your load.
An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent
- 3. Use less gas by watching your acceleration.
- More than 80% of fuel is burned when you accelerate. So, the more consistently you can maintain your speed, the less gas you use. Some things to keep in mind:
- ▪ If possible, try not to come to a full stop.
- ▪ Don’t fight gravity going uphill.
- ▪ Don’t ride your brakes.
- ▪ Build momentum with a rolling start before accelerating.
▪ Maintain a soft touch: Don’t gun the engine or brake hard.
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