Keep up with the
scheduled maintenance. A well tuned car runs more
efficiently and consumes less fuel. Change the oil
and filter every 3,000 miles and check for dirty air filters
and low fluid levels.
2: Tires
Maintain the tire
manufactures recommended pressure level. This is usually noted in the
automobiles owners manual or the decal in the car’s doorjamb. Under
inflated tires will use more fuel as well as shorten the tires life.
Check at least quarterly as temperature changes impact tire pressure.
3: Fuel
Rating
Your owner’s manual will
have the recommended fuel octane rating for your car. If Your manual
does not specify a high octane or premium fuel, there is no reason to
buy it.
4: Drag
Drag - Keep the windows of your car closed. For pick-up trucks keep your tailgate UP! Contrary to popular belief, bed covers, mesh tailgates, and driving with your tailgate down actually increase your fuel consumption and decrease your gas mileage considerably.
5: Errands
Organize your day’s
activities to make minimal trips in your car. Make you goal to combine
errands. The less you drive, the more you will save! Car pooling kids
activities are a good idea.
6: Speed
On highways and freeways
keep under the speed limit. Reducing your speed from 75 mph to 65 mph
can save up to 12% in gas.
7: Accelerate
It sure is fun to “goose”
the accelerator, but “jackrabbit” starts gobble gas. Avoid quick starts
and stops. Anticipate red stop lights by not racing to each light just
to stop and wait.
8: Idling
Do you know that restarting
your car uses less gas than letting it idle? The rule of thumb is if
you will be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the car.
9: Weight
Less weight in your vehicle,
less fuel consumption. Take out any unnecessary weight from your trunk
and passenger compartment.
10: Choice
Make a lifestyle changing
decision about what kind of vehicle you really need. Sure SUVs are a
necessity in most families, but buy one that meets your needs and has a
higher fuel economy rating than other comparable models. Choose for your
second family vehicle, a smaller car that has superior fuel economy
ratings and use this one as much as possible.
