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With
today's high gas prices, it's worth using these 10 simple steps
to improve your gas mileage. If you're a gas-saving pro who is
already aware of these tips, also check out the pointers
from ALLDATA's ASE-certified technicians.
| 1 |
Don't
use premium fuel if your car does not require it (check
your owner's manual); using it is an unnecessary
expense. |
| 2 |
Keep
your tires properly inflated, and check them frequently.
(Note
1) |
| 3 |
Don't
idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine
when you leave the car or have to wait a long time. (Note
2) |
| 4 |
Keep
your speed at 55 miles per hour or less whenever
possible. (Note
3) |
| 5 |
Empty
the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools
and the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning
to take to the recycler all weigh down your car
unnecessarily. (Note
4) |
| 6 |
Drive
in the highest gear possible (without lugging the
engine). |
| 7 |
Anticipate
merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and
accelerate smoothly. |
| 8 |
Plan
your trips wisely. If you need to go several places,
plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your
errands in one outing. |
| 9 |
Keep
your engine in tune and make sure the air
and fuel
filters are clean. |
| 10 |
Avoid
excessive warm-up time. Modern engines don't require it. |
Notes
1
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly four
million gallons of gasoline could be saved nationwide
each day for every one pound per square inch (psi) of
tire under-inflation, compared to the mileage if ALL
vehicle tires were kept inflated to the manufacturer's
recommended pressure.
2
The US Department of Energy estimates that for 145
million passenger vehicles idling five minutes per day,
approximately four million gallons of gasoline are
consumed without going anywhere.
3
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency and
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a vehicle loses about one
percent in fuel economy for every one mile per hour
above 55 m.p.h. that it is driven. A passenger car that
averages 30 miles per gallon at 55 m.p.h. could
typically get 28.5 m.p.g. at 60 m.p.h., 27 m.p.g. at 65
m.p.h. and 25.5 m.p.g. at 70 m.p.h. Remember, however,
that for different speeds, the changes in fuel economy
will vary by vehicle model.
4
Each 100 pounds of needless weight will cost up to
one-half mile per gallon, on the average. |
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