How to Save Gasoline
I don't know if you noticed that, but the gasoline price slightly increased recently. I compiled a few tips for those of you who want to reduce their consumption. I'm no magician, so don't expect a 50% reduction, unless you start riding your bike all the time but this is not one of my tips.
One of the key factors to save fuel is to anticipate the traffic flow. Don't look at the car immediately before you, but three or four cars farther away. Better anticipation leads to a steadier speed. Abrupt acceleration consumes enormous gas quantities. If your car is equipped with a fuel fuel flow indicator, it is your best friend when it comes to learn driving smoothly. Improving your sense of anticipation will also help you not to accelerate when the cars in front start to brake
Most engines reach their best efficiency in the 2000 to 2500 RPM range. Shifting early and quickly when starting ensures that you stay within that range. Sorry, no more tracks of fire behind your car.
Also be smooth when you decelerate. Sport cars drivers switch from accelerator to brake. This is a bad idea in urban traffic. Try to simply release the accelerator, and leave the speed bleed off, with the car in gear. I know it is slightly off-topic, but it also saves on the brakes.
If you're not a mechanic, ask one to check your tires and battery regularly. A faulty battery will continue to work if used daily, but it will create an extra load on the alternator, which will in turn load the engine uselessly. Low tire pressure is not only dangerous, but it increases the friction between your car and the road. More friction more energy wasted fighting against it. You know, that good energy that comes from gasoline.
Finally, a seasonal tip: don't abuse of air-conditioning. I know how cool air conditioning is (pun intended). Yesterday, I set my car's temperature regulator to 30C (86F). You think I'm nuts ? Well, the outside temperature was 35C (95 F). This five degrees difference was enough to give me a pleasant freshness sensation.
Yes, 25, 20, or even 18 would have been possible, but then most of the energy produced by burning the precious gasoline would have been consumed by the air-conditioner, and not to move forward.
Now, if you prefer to bike all year long, get a job closer to your home or a home closer to your job, buy a smaller electrical ? - car, or simply stop driving well that would leave more gasoline for me, so thank you.
