Conserving fuel is easier than you might think and by following a few simple guidelines you can get the most mileage out of every gallon.
The current national average gas price was $3.16 per gallon on June 04, 2007 according to the U.S. Department of Energy website eia.doe.gov. With the summer travel season at hand, fuel costs are expected to remain high and most of us could benefit by getting the best gas mileage possible from our vehicle. Fortunately conserving fuel is easier than you might think and by following a few simple guidelines you can get the most out of every cent.
Maintenance
According to FuelEconomy.gov, properly inflated tires can increase your gas mileage up to 3.3 percent. Always make sure they’re inflated to the correct pressure and have them rotated, balanced, and aligned. Many manufacturers recommend tire rotation every 5,000 to 10,000 miles but you should always adhere to your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.
It’s also important to keep your car tuned. A tune-up will help the engine operate at its peak efficiency which is crucial to getting the most mileage out of every gallon.
Keeping your car’s air filter clean may be the easiest way to improve your gas mileage. A clean air filter allows your car to ‘breathe’ easier, which in turn makes your car’s engine operate more efficiently. Additional tuning items include the engine’s fuel filter, spark plugs / wires, distributor cap, belts, and so on. Refer to the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule and consult a professional mechanic to keep your car operating at its finest.
FuelEconomy.gov states that you should use the recommended grade of oil for your car’s engine to help improve its gas mileage. Using the correct grade of oil could increase your vehicle’s gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.
Driving Habits
The EPA states that you can attain up to 15% better gas mileage by avoiding excessive speeds. You should always obey the posted speed limit to maintain the highest degree of safety. When accelerating from a standstill, gently press the accelerator to minimize a “jack-rabbit start” in order to reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
According to FuelEconomy.gov you should avoid excessive idling whenever possible, because your vehicle achieves 0 MPG while idling. So if you see a long line at a fast food drive-thru window, park your car and go inside to avoid unnecessarily wasting gas. Who knows, you might be served quicker by ordering your meal inside the restaurant.
Take advantage of your vehicle’s cruise control feature, as it may help conserve gas by allowing your engine to operate at a consistent speed and RPM range. Using the car’s overdrive gearing allows your engine to operate at a lower RPM, which could save fuel and reduce strain on your engine.
Each additional 100 lbs of weight in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by 2%, according to FuelEconomy.gov. Therefore, remove any needless items from your vehicle, as they will only add to your overall weight and therefore diminish your fuel efficiency. Additionally, a loaded roof rack can lower your fuel economy by 5%--only use a rack when it’s absolutely necessary.
At The Pump
Most cars today are designed to operate at their maximum efficiency using 87 octane fuel and do not require premium grade fuels. In order to save money, use the lowest manufacturer recommended octane rating for your vehicle.
When you’re filling the tank use the automatic shut-off feature as an indicator that your tank has had enough. Topping off your tank can lead to spills and you’ll end up paying for gas that was never used. Make sure you tighten the gas cap until you hear several clicks. This will decrease the possibility of your gasoline evaporating.
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