As fuel prices continue to explode more and more people are looking to find shelter from the high cost of driving. Here is some common sense, but often forgotten tips that can help you save a little to lot on your fuel consumption depending on how many of these things you are actually guilty of.
1. Always try to drive the speed limit. Did you know that for every 5 mph you travel over 60 mph, you are decreasing your fuel economy by 6%.
2. Try not to let your car sit idling for any length of time. According to Fueleconomy.gov the average driver will waste 17% of its gas by simply sitting in idle. So this means for every 10 gallons you purchase, 1.7 gallons are used to keep the engine running while you sit in park.
3. Keep your sunroof or windows closed. I really enjoy the sunroof on my car and it is alright to have it open if you are taking a leisurely drive around town and only traveling about 25 mph because the amount of drag will not be noticeable to your fuel consumption. But the amount of drag placed on your vehicle at highway speeds (55 mph or more), an open sunroof may reduce your fuel economy by 5%. Same thing will apply to your windows being open but they do not have quite as much impact as the sunroof. Avoid buying cars with spoilers on them or having one put on your car simply to “trick it out”. The basic function of a spoiler is to add downforce to your car to help improve handling at high speeds, so naturally having a spoiler will hurt your fuel economy. This also applies to roof racks and any type of carrier on the top of your car.
4. Remove any excess weight you have on your vehicle. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
5. When highway driving try to use your cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save on your fuel consumption.
6. When driving up hill accelerate before you reach the incline. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it. This will also increase your mpg.
7. Avoid driving on gravel or rough roads if at all possible. Dirt or gravel roads can rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
8. Try to stay away from curving or winding roads. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping require extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight
9. When parking your vehicle try to park in the shade so your car is cooler when you get in. If you can’t park in the shade then when you get into your vehicle roll down your windows and let the hot air escape. And drive a couple of blocks before you turn on the air conditioning it will help to cool your vehicle down and shorten the amount of time it takes the air conditioner to make it comfortable in your vehicle. Most air conditioners use about 35 horsepower to run. That horsepower cost you fuel mileage. However it is still better when traveling at speeds of 55mph or higher air conditioning is still easier on your gas mileage than driving with the windows down.
10. If your vehicle is equipped with overdrive you should be using it as it will save you on fuel by decreasing the load on the engine while maintaining your speed.
11. You should always use the manufactures recommended grade of motor oil and fuel. If you are going to use any kind of fuel or oil additive make sure you research it first. We have researched a number of different additives and conditioners for both fuel and oil if you are interested in viewing our results contact us at.
