Fuel Efficiency
Gas prices are currently decreasing across the country, but this doesn't signify cheap gas or affordable fuel. In a time of tough economic crisis, families are looking for ways to increase fuel efficiency and save a few dollars. Without thinking, people are flocking to car dealerships to buy hybrids. The average American, however, cannot afford a hybrid vehicle and must stick with the car they have. This leaves a car owner to ponder, how can I get the most out of the car I already own? How can I make my gas last longer and get me further?
To truly maximize the longevity of your fuel, you must change the way in which you drive. While the blame can mostly be placed on the purchased gas and the car you own, some blame can be placed on the person behind the wheel. For example, the first thing you can do to cut back on fuel consumption is to carpool to work. Find a few friends or acquaintances at work and take turns driving each week. Not only will you be saving your own gas, you will be helping your co-workers in this economic crisis.
If carpooling is not an option, be sure to drive slowly and safely. To utilize gas output, keep a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration or deceleration. By jamming on the gas pedal, you actually use more gas and your car becomes less efficient. Additionally, be sure to keep up with the maintenance of your vehicle. An oil change every 3000 miles will keep the car clean and provide more potential for the car's fuel. Finally, be sure to inflate your tires to the model's specifications. If you are driving with deflated tires, a lag is a created and the gas in your car must compensate for the poor performance. Finally, be sure to lighten the load in your car. Make sure you are unloading groceries, heavy luggage, and any unnecessary items after trips. The more weight you put on the car, the less gas efficiency you will receive.
Are you still disastisfied with your car's fuel efficiency? Just as you would shop around for a car at a dealership, shop around for gas. As you are passing by gas stations during the week, note the cheapest areas and their locations. More importantly, make sure you note the gas stations that are directly in your daily route and are not out of the way. If you are driving 15 miles to get gas that is five cents cheaper per gallon, you aren't really saving anything at all. Additionally, utilize websites, such as Mapquest, to find stations in your area with cheaper prices. Not only does Mapquest offer local prices and locations, they also have the option of retrieving directions to the exact location.
Being a car owner in this decade is difficult. Gas is expensive and goes quickly. Hybrids are unaffordable and barely exceed the miles per gallon that a normal car delivers. It is important to maximize fuel efficiency and make the most of the car you already own.
