It can be expensive to maintain a vehicle, especially with the price of fuel nowadays. However, there are some things you can do to save money every year. This article investigates how to maximize fuel economy by utilizing some tips. Not only will you save on gas, but you will be contributing to safer road conditions, keeping your car in better shape, and reducing emissions (carbon dioxide).
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Fuel-Efficient Driving Tips and Practices
Besides praying to the fuel gods for cheaper-priced gasoline, there are some options you can practice to help with your fuel efficiency.
Air Conditioning
Use the air conditioner occasionally. This tip should be taken under advisement; however, many people love to blast the air conditioning during the blazing summer months. Try opening a window up instead of sitting in an arctic freeze on days that have milder weather.
Anticipate
This should go without saying but pay close attention while driving so you can easily expect things. Be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians and keep an appropriate amount of space between you and the car in front of you. It uses less fuel and it’s safer to drive your vehicle in this manner.
Cruise Control
Try using cruise control whenever appropriate. You know, an open stretch of highway versus a hilly landscape. It’s estimated that you will save over forty cents per gallon.
Idling
It’s unavoidable if you are stuck in traffic, but idling is terrible for your fuel efficiency. If you are somewhere else and you’ve been idle for more than a minute, consider turning off your vehicle. If not, you will be wasting fuel. You could burn half a gallon on an hourly basis. This might change depending on if you are using the air conditioner, but you get the idea.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance on your vehicle is a must if you want to increase its lifecycle. Any mechanical problems you might be having will result in terrible gas mileage. Having a professional look over your vehicle is an important factor to do as a responsible driver. They can check things like spark plugs, air filters as well as the vehicle’s alignment. Also, make sure to check your oil routinely and use the best engine oil for your vehicle. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual. The recommended oil should protect and save on fuel. Use other oils at your own risk.
Speed
When accelerating in your vehicle do so lightly since the harder you press, the you use more fuel. Experts suggest that you take a full five seconds to accelerate. The key is to be gentle when increasing your speed. When it comes to decreasing your speed, try taking your foot off the acceleration pedal and slow down that way instead of using your brakes.
Keep a constant speed if possible. Going back and forth from slow to fast uses a lot of fuel. Avoid varying your speed level. If you must travel at a high speed, keep in mind, you will be using more fuel. Every vehicle is different, but typically fifty miles per hour will give you the ideal fuel efficiency.
Tires
Match your car with the proper tires. Manufacturers create tires of different sizes and speed ratings to help with fuel consumption. If you have your car equipped with a different size and rating, then it will have a bad impact on your fuel economy.
You should inspect your tire pressure monthly. You can find out the proper pressure for your car’s tires from information found on the driver’s side door jamb (normally) or in your owner’s manual. Tires that aren’t inflated correctly use more fuel and lessen their lifespan.
Transmission
To those who prefer to drive a stick shift (or manual transmission) make sure that you do it well. Knowing what you are doing while shifting gears helps with fuel consumption. The idea is to shift fast and smoothly.
Weight
It makes sense. The less weight you carry in your vehicle, the faster and more efficient it will drive using less fuel in the process. Heavy items taking up room in your trunk or backseat will only drag you down. If you have racks on top of your car for your bicycles, try taking them off if you aren’t currently using them.
Additional Advice
The most apparent answer to reducing fuel consumption and saving money is not to drive. Or at least, not as much. You can try carpooling, taking a bus/train, walking, or biking, and combining errands or trips.
Keep track of your fuel use. How often do you have to fill your car up?
Do you have a fuel consumption display? If so, pay attention to it and take the feedback it gives. Some advanced systems show different speeds, acceleration, deceleration, and braking.
Do your research when it comes to taking a trip that requires you to drive.
The newer the vehicle, the latest the technology, which often means more fuel efficient. When you purchase a vehicle at a car dealership, it’s important to consider the fuel economy of the vehicle. After you make your decision and buy a vehicle, the auto dealership will provide you with a temporary tag until your official State license plate arrives. If you operate a car dealership and are looking to purchase Synthetic Paper Temporary Tags, consider MBR Marketing at: https://mbrmarketing.com/dealer-supplies/license-plate-accessories/dealership-temporary-tags.
In Conclusion
All you can do is try it and see what works best for you. Make it a personal goal or challenge to maximize fuel economy. It’s easy once you know where to start. Using what was discussed in this article will not only help with your fuel economy, but you can still make an environmental impact even if you don’t drive a hybrid or electric vehicle.