These days, it doesn’t matter whether you drive a small little hybrid or a gas guzzling SUV, we all want to find ways of saving money of gasoline, and getting as much distance for the gallon as we can. With gas prices consistently on the rise, miles per gallon have become quite a talking point
for car companies and enthusiasts. The following tips should assist in saving money, improving fuel economy, and alleviate the blow high gas prices may have on your bank account. These pointers are simply ways to improve your vehicle’s MPG, and if you execute them properly, you can really save on gasoline over the long term!
1. Drive Slowly
A great way to enhance fuel efficiency is by reducing speed and acceleration. As the speed of your vehicle increases, fuel economy decreases at an exponential rate. So basically, if you’re a perpetual violator of speeding regulations, you may just be doing yourself quite the disservice as well. Try obeying the posted limits, it will not take you too much longer, and you’ll be saving money in the long run.
2. Check for tire pressure
If your tires are simply under-inflated, you’ll find that your miles per gallon with surely suffer. Most tires will naturally lose air over time, and temperature changes cause deflation as well. But the problem is that under-inflated tires carry more rolling resistance, and thus require more gasoline to keep it in motion. Try purchasing a more reliable tire gauge and check tires at least once monthly, monitoring their status in the cold. Make sure to review the owner’s manual for further information about specific tire pressure data unique to your vehicle.
3. Check air filter
A dirty or outdated air filter can cause complications in regard to airflow into the engine, which does nothing but stifle fuel economy. But not to worry, these air filters are relatively easy to check and change out if necessary. Most of the time, it will require you to simply remove the filter and hold it up towards the sun, checking for light. If no light shines through, consider purchasing a new one. It is recommended that you select a permanent filter that can be cleaned as opposed to constantly changed; they will prove to be more liberating than disposable options and will be better for the environment as well.
4. Accelerate Responsibly
Quick starts and stops are quite a waste of fuel, but this doesn’t mean you need to spend minutes accelerating. When driving an automatic, accelerate at an even pace so that the transmission can shift up to higher gears. When operating a manual stick shift, shift early to keep revs down without lugging the engine. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for slowdowns on the road ahead, as accelerating just to brake quickly is certainly a waste of fuel you don’t need to be wasting.
5. Move With the Trucks
In traffic jams, you may notice eighteen-wheelers rolling where automatic transmission cars speed up and slow down to move from spot to spot. Well what these trucks are doing is not only easier on the transmission, but also on the fuel economy of any vehicle. A constant speed will keep shifting and fuel usage to minimum, causing more saved fuel, and less stop and go.
6. Roll Down the Windows
Often it will prove more efficient to simply shut down the air conditioner, open the windows and drive to the breeze. While it could be a tad warmer or windier depending on your speed, at the lower speeds it will safe you some fuel. When traveling at high speeds, the A/C may actually be efficient in preventing wind resistance from slowing down your vehicle due to open windows.
7. Moderate Your Ride’s “Pimping”
While a new set of wheels and tires may appeal to your desire for urban luxuries (and perhaps they contribute to an improved handling) they’re likely to create greater rolling resistance and will decrease fuel economy in the long run. If you upgrade to a new set of wheels and tires, hold on the older ones. When you embark on longer, more extensive drives; you’ll find stock wheels offer a smoother and more fuel-efficient experience.
8. Clean the Car
That’s right, even keeping your car clean can assist in saving money on gasoline. From time to time, go through your vehicle and decide what can be thrown out or even brought back into the house for alternative storage. Small things can add up to some serious weight in extra stuff, and the more heavy your load, the more fuel your vehicle will burn in the driving process.
9. Downsize
When shopping for a new vehicle, take into consideration how much you really need. Obviously smaller sized vehicles will prove more fuel efficient, and you’ll find that today’s smaller options are getting roomier than ever before. Subcompacts such as the Nissan Versa offer fantastic interior capacity that promoted the EPA to classify it as a mid-size vehicle. The understandable fear is that of crash protection, but automakers are designing compacts with this in mind, allowing these smaller cars to survive crashes with bigger ones with side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and more.
10. Drive When Necessary
While this may sound rather out there, like anything else: you save when you use on a “as-needed” basis. If you can avoid driving for trivial or unnecessary reasons, you’ll save quite a bit of money on gasoline. For instance, taking the train, carpooling, and the like can really save you cash on unnecessarily utilized fuel. In the summer, spring, or even autumn, biking or walking can be an alternative that satisfies your budget and your body. Just evaluate hownecessary vehicular application is in any situation, and you can find yourself saving a fortunate!
So there it is, if you truly dedicate yourself to using a few of these tips in conjunction with each other, you’re likely to reap the benefits and most of all, know how to survive the ever rising fuel costs and gasoline prices.