How to get more Gasoline per Dollar
Want to get more gasoline for your money? Consider these simple steps to improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.
1. Close all windows.An open window, especially at highway speeds, can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
2. Use Air Conditioning sparingly.When the air conditioner is on, it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used and increasing fuel consumption by up to 10%. Unless the weather is extreme, you might find the fan sufficient for air flow into the vehicle. Try it!
3. Keep weight off.Anything that weights down your car is burning up extra fuel. Avoid using your car as a storage place for unnecessary equipment (tools and toys are common offenders!). Try to pack lightly for long trips and be realistic about whether you are going to use a bicycle, grass skis, a surfboard, etc all in the one holiday.
Remove roof racks when not being used, as they cause significant air drag.
4. Don't idle.Turn off your engine when you are waiting for someone or anticipate staying still for more than 1 minute. Just 1 minute of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
5. Avoid high speeds.It's tough, I know! But did you know that driving on a highway at 90 km/h uses 25% less fuel than at 110 km/h in most cars?
6. Drive at a consistent speed.Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking by anticipating changes in the traffic flow ahead. If you have cruise control, use it.
7. Preparation.Ensure that your vehicle is serviced regularly, as poor fuel economy can be caused by dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels.Check tire pressures regularly and keep them inflated at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Soft tyres result in up to 5% of your fuel being wasted and they will also wear out quicker.
8. Avoid lugging.If you are driving a manual vehicle, go for the next gear as soon as the car can handle it.
These steps may seem small - inconvenient to some people - but it is amazing how a few simple changes to your driving habits can save you gasoline - and more importantly, money at the pump.
