Gas costs are leading people to alter their vacation plans. My neighbor recently loaded up his SUV, drove 30 ft, and he and his family camped at the end of their driveway.
So like defensive driving can help you to avoid accidents on the roadway, today I wish to present a few suggestions on how a little additional care here and there, when it comes to your automobile, can save you a lot of cash, not simply on fuel, but on repairs as well!
Keeping your engine ticking is big. If your engine is emitting sufficient exhaust that it seems as if you are spraying for mosquitoes, this means much less cash in your wallet. I know it does not often fit easily into your routine, but replacing filters and fluids as recommended, and following the service routine listed in your owner’s manual, could save you money in the long run.
On a regular basis check your tires for correct air pressure. Under inflation causes your motor to work harder to push the vehicle. Keep those tires inflated properly, and you can save as you drive.
Aggressive driving, speeding, fast acceleration and heavy breaking, all squander gas. Pass the barf bag, please! Use cruise control on open highways to hold your speed as constant as possible. When you cruise sensibly, you benefit significantly.
Fuel Economy Advantage: 5-33%
Fuel Savings: $0.16-$1.03/gallon
If 60 MPH is the speed limit, drive it. Though every automobile reaches its optimum fuel economy at a distinct speed or range of speeds, gas mileage normally decreases quickly at rates of speed above 60 mph. You can assume that every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like spending an added $0.30 per gallon for gas.
Fuel Economy Advantage: 7-23%
Fuel Savings: $.22-$.72/gallon
I drove an old hunk-of-junk in college. Nevertheless, I tried to stay positive. Every single time anything fell off, my miles per gallon increased!
Less weight means better mileage. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle might decrease your MPG by up to 2%.
Gas Economy Advantage: 1-2%/100 lbs
Fuel Savings: $0.03-$0.06/gallon
Note: Fuel savings estimates are being founded on the national average gas price of $3.13 per gallon as of Febryary 16, 2011.
Like pondering why new personal computers are out of date before you can even get them out of the box, excessive idling will get you nowhere. Because an idling car will get 0 miles per gallon, shut off the engine every time possible. 10 seconds is the magic number. More than 10 seconds of idling and you create financial savings by turning your motor off. And bear in mind, today’s vehicles are designed to warm up fast. So when started, there’s no need to let them idle prior to putting the transmission in gear.
So take good care of your baby! Go the additional mile for it, and it can save you cash and run the added miles for you. And if all else fails, because kilometers are shorter than miles, to at least feel better regarding conserving fuel, consider altering your odometer setting to kilometers.
Until Next Time,
Eddie
ASenseOfHumorDriving.com
7920 Glenview Drive
Richland Hills, TX 76180
817-577-8854