Saving Gas And Summer Driving
Saving Gas And Summer Driving
It's that time of year when we all want to take road trips, get out of town for picnics and outings or just go exploring. With this comes filling up the gas tank and realizing the high cost of fuel. But no need to despair, there are a few simple ways you can get the most bang for your buck this summer when it comes to your gas tank. They include:
1. Change Your Oil - Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction of moving parts and keeps your engine running at peak performance. A peak-performing engine requires less fuel and can save you up to ten percent. In addition to changing your oil, make sure you are using the correct oil for your vehicle. Your owner's manual will assist you with the proper oil usage. Last, make sure you have a clean oil filter - something that is typically replaced with an oil change.
2. Check Your Tire Pressure - This is one of those things most people don't look at - as long as they don't have a flat they keep on driving. The fact is, proper tire inflation can improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent. Under inflated tires can reduce gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure in all four tires. Consult your owner's manual to find out what your tire pressure should be.
3. Watch Your Driving - Little things like avoiding unnecessary idling or revving of your engine can save gas. Going the speed limit can also give you more miles for your gas buck. Practicing these simple tasks can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town.
4. Keep Your Vehicle Light - If you are driving around a truck with extra weight in the back, then you are wasting your gas. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle. By just adding an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle will reduce your MPG by 2 percent.
5. Maintain Your Air Filter - Replacing clogged air filters, especially on older cars, can improve fuel economy up to 14 percent. A clogged air filter on any type of vehicle also reduces acceleration time from 6 to 11 percent.
6. Use Overdrive Gears - When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down and reduces engine wear.
7. Reduce Wind Resistance - This is pure physics. The design of your vehicle can contribute to the amount of wind resistance you will face. But other factors include items on your car that can be modified. For example, the use of a roof rack, when not needed, can cause wind resistance and reduce gas mileage. Putting a cover on the bed of your truck can also help with reducing wind resistance.
8. Use Electrical Systems in Moderation- The electrical pull on your engine is equal to the pull on your gas tank. If possible, reduce the use of your air conditioning. This can be difficult depending on where you live. But if you are in a milder climate, rolling down the windows would be a better option than running the air continually.
Last of course is reducing the amount of time you are driving your vehicle. When possible, consider car-pooling or occasionally using public transit. Many people these days are riding the bus, are bicycling or walking when the weather is nice.
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