Finding Fuel Efficiency
With the unexpected rise in gas prices it is no surprise that more are looking for every possible way to improve gas mileage while saving at the pump. The most effective and fastest way to save while gas prices are high is not going to be through an "As Seen On TV" catalog, mysterious gas MPG additive sample, or coasting down every hill on the way home.These are tips that will be sure to ease the strain of pumping gas money right out of your wallet. Though they may not seem terribly creative, they are what will save you money. Simple as that.
DON’T Drive It Like You Stole It
- Avoid slow down, speed up driving. Rather maintain a constant speed for better fuel mileage.
- Avoid sharp stops, which can cause brief wastes of fuel from shifting.
- Avoid jumping the gun by quick acceleration from dead stops. (Big money waster here.)
- The most fuel efficient speeds are 45-55MPH or the lowest speed in high gear avoid 60-70MPH.
- Steer away from stop and go traffic.
- Don’t draft another vehicle. While it seems to save you from wind and friction, the constant braking and acceleration to stay behind them will reduce your fuel efficiency.
Keep Tires At Factory Level Inflation
- A properly inflated tire keeps good road grip and cushions bumps increasing your MPG.
Maintain Your Car
- Spark plugs that are newer provide more power for less fuel, making them more efficient.
- Keeping good oil levels, means proper car functioning = less friction, better fuel consumption.
- Park in shade, this prevents gasoline from evaporating out of your tank. (Yes this is for real.)
Combine Trips Out
- We have covered this point in the past. In a nut shell, the less trips out equals less gas.
- Also reducing excessive trips will lessen the chances you are tempted to make impulse buys.
Avoid Over Filling Or The Empty Tank Syndrome
- Too much gas can cause you to flood the safety system for your gas vapors. (Not good.)
- Too much gas can also mean you're towing more weight around, burning extra money.
- Too little gas will result in strain on the gas pump, or condensation in the tank in cold weather.
- Maintaining between ¼ and almost full tank will result in optimum weight to fuel use ratio.
Purchase A More Efficient Car
- They are coming out with more and more efficient vehicles.
- Some save you up to $5,000-$6,000 of gas costs in a five year period. Say “Hello savings!”
Limit Idling Time
- If you are planning on being stopped for more than 8-10 minutes consider shutting the engine off. This will help you save both your gas and the environment!