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A Dozen Easy
Ways To Improve Fuel Economy! |
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.
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.
Actual
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