Tip of the Day: Get the most out of your car
Some simple changes can boost your car's gas mileage 3 to 50 percent!
Whether you've just bought your dream car, a cheap used car, or you just want to squeeze the most miles per gallon out of your faithful old ride, there are ways to maximize your fuel efficiency.
First of all, if your car is an older model, get a tune up. Your car will run 15 to 50 percent more efficiently.
Second, use your cruise control on longer drives. You'll avoid rapid accelerations and decelerations, which could save you 5 to 10 percent on fuel.
Next, remove your roof rack and any trunk junk which isn't necessary. Hauling around racks, sporting equipment or other non-essentials adds unnecessary weight to your car. And guess what – your engine has to haul that weight too – which means using more fuel in a less efficient way.
Finally, check your tires to make sure they're properly inflated. The EPA reports that under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy by up to 3 percent and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and releases of air pollutants. If you don't know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar.
Now ... turn off your cell phone and you're ready to go, better than ever before.
Sources:
-- 'Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth.' Copyright 2005 by Earth Action Network, Inc.
-- 'The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook', by David de Rothschild. Copyright 2007 by Live Earth, p.24-25.
-- "What You Can Do on the Road to Fight Climate Change," EPA Web site, http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/road.html
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-16-2008 @ 2:34AM
Dave said...
Cruse control DOES NOT save you fuel.. Keeping a consistant level of engine vacuume does.
That means cruising at a median speed of 60 to 63mph and holding your foot absolutely still regardless of terrain.
Uphill you may slow to 50, and on a downhill you may exceed 65. But keeping in mind these variences and not allowing the car to go below 50 or above 65 because of traffic constraints, you can certainly beat the cruise control when it comes to miles per gallon overall during a road trip.
I've done it for years, and yes kept a log book in the car. Yes, it does work and you WILL beat the cruise control.
On a heavy uphill the cruise control will depress the throttle hard enough to put an automatic back to third or even second trying to maintain the speed it was set at. Letting your speed vary as per the terrain saves fuel and increases your MPG overall per tankful..
-- David T. Raynor, Long Island, NY
1987 Chevy Cavalier SSX Wagon - 402,102Mi.
Reply
1-16-2008 @ 8:35AM
beerman said...
Dave is absolutely right, vary your speed with the terrain, slowing your vehicle uphill. BUT! Your driving will interfere with the majority of drivers who try to maintain a constant speed (we all are of aware of the local tolerance that state police condone, over the speed limit.) Be especially aware of trucks, and anticipate any lane changes that they will be making to maintain their speeds; they always slow down going uphill. Adjust your speed, when necessary, to avoid taking too long to pass, and constantly be aware of the cars in the lanes behind you when you start to slow down.