We've spent the better part of this year talking about the highest gas
prices we've ever seen. For some, the price of premium unleaded was
more expensive than $5 per gallon.
Just
because the cost of fuel has dropped to the lowest it's been in several
years, doesn't mean it will stay that way. Listed below under four
categories -- Engine Warm-Up, How to Buy Gasoline, How to Drive
Economically, and General Advice -- are some effective methods for
saving money at the fuel pump -- and overall wear and tear on your car.
ENGINE WARM-UP
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
2.
Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one
minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
3.
Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine
off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside
cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
4. Eliminate
jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop.
Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This
allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.
HOW TO BUY GASOLINE
5.
Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening
is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas
pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration.
You are charged according to "volume of measurement".
6. Choose
type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with
greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem"
most beneficial.
7. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling
results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the
first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
8. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.
9.
Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your
traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling
at 55 mph gives up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal
speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
10. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.
11. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
12.
Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid
tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is
it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.
13.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you must accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.
GENERAL ADVICE
14.
Do not rest left foot on floorboard pedals while driving. The slightest
pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down
prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.
15. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
16.
Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling
distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping
requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always
straight.
17. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring
advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost
your chances of having the "green light" all the way.
18.
Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is
idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights,
etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain
and allows transmission to cool.
19. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
20. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.
21.
Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent
wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and
are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
22. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!
23.
Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically
spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new
tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the
recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum
tire pressures.
27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy
by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine
load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.
28.
Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back
seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage,
especially when driving up inclines.
Now is the time to change your driving habits so you can reduce auto-related expenses when gas prices rise again in the future!
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