There is no matter what you drive: a two-seat hybrid or a three-ton SUV, still you take of fuel economy as it’s one of the most important considerations for all the drivers. There is a great scope of drivers’ experience concerning this problem. Having analyzed all available information we managed to work out 11 universal tips which can help you improve your car’s fuel economy and take some of the sting out of high fuel prices. To reach good results in saving fuel you need to use several of these tips together depending on situation.
1. Follow the recommended maintenance
A vehicle, which is well-maintained, means it will operate with greater efficiency. This improves not only the vehicle’s interior and exterior but the fuel economy as well. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommendations and have maintenance performed regularly by a dealer or reputable mechanic.
2. Check your air filter
A clean air filter is the key to fuel economy. If the air filter is dirty there is always a restriction for the air flow into the engine which plays havoc to economy. To check the air filter, remove it and hold it up to the sun. If you can’t see light coming through it, you need a new one. Remember that a permanent cleanable filter is much less restrictive than throw-away paper filter, plus it’s better for the environment.
3. Check the tire pressure
Properly pumped up tires are also often ignored by car owners though they are very important for fuel economy. Buy reliable tires, check them when they are cold (driving the car warms up the tires and the air inside them, increasing the pressure), and keep them properly inflated.
4. Slow down
It is very difficult to save fuel when driving at a high speed. If you doubt, try to drive within speed limit for at least five days. You’ll save a lot of fuel and at the same time your journey won’t take much longer. In general, it’s better to drive conservatively. Accelerate slowly from a start, and generally try not to press the accelerator more than a quarter of the way to the floor. Also, anticipate hills and accelerate before you approach them, instead of while you are driving against an incline.
5. Hang with the trucks
Have you ever noticed that in bad traffic jam the cars constantly speed up and slow down while the trucks at the same time try not to drive but to roll along. That’s very wise. Experienced drivers know that it takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving. Rolling with the big rigs saves fuel.
6. Accelerate carefully
Jack-rabbit starts won’t help you save fuel. However this doesn’t mean that you must crawl away from every light. If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately in order the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift early to keep the revs down, but don’t lug the engine – downshift if you need to accelerate. Observe the road carefully for potential slowdowns. You’ll spend much duel if you accelerate to speed then have to brake right away.
7. Return to nature
If you are not very coddled, then switch off the air conditioner, open the window and enjoy the breeze. It may be a tad warmer of course, but at lower speeds you’ll save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof. To get to a destination sweaty and smelly some people, for instance, may take an extra shirt to have a change.
8. Clean out your car
The more weight your car needs to carry the more gas it is necessary to do the work. Empty out your trunk (or even your backseat) of unnecessary items. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk will reduce your fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent in the typical vehicle. a roof rack or roof carrier should be installed on your vehicle only when absolutely necessary. It not only adds extra weight but also increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which further contributes to a loss of fuel economy. If you belong to those people who clean their cars when they are already full of different things, try to change you habit. Periodically go through your car and see what can be tossed out or brought into the house.
9. Use the recommended grade of motor oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol. It means that it contains friction-reducing additives. Proper maintenance means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy ? and can save you money as well.
10. Keep the car tidy
Keeping your car washed and waxed improves aerodynamics and therefore affects fuel economy.
11. Combine your errands
A little planning can make a big difference in fuel economy. When your engine is cold, it uses more fuel than when it is warm. Combining errands can improve your gas mileage because your engine will be warm for more of the trip. That’s why you should keep in mind that several short trips all begun with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single longer trip that covers the same distance.
The Golden Rule which should be known by every driver who wants to save the fuel states: DON’T DRIVE. This joke is very popular on car sites. But the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you’ll save gas. Don’t use your vehicle when possible; go to the destination by bus or train. Walking or biking is good for your wallet and your health. So, before you get into the car ask yourself if the trip is really necessary.