Thursday, June 19, 2008

Tips on Saving Gas...

1. Cars lose fuel efficiency at speeds above 55 mph,

and fuel efficiency really drops off at speeds over 60

mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph reduces

mileage by about 7 percent.

2. While you are waiting in line at the drive-thru, you are

getting zero miles per gallon. Park the car and go inside

the restaurant. You’ll save gas and get some exercise!

3. Maintenance is the key to peak performance. A

dirty air filter and under-inflated tires can increase

your fuel cost up to 13 percent.

4. When it’s time for a long trip, think about what

you really need to take. A loaded roof rack can

decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent because of

the drag. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces

a typical car’s fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

5. If you can eliminate just two discretionary trips per

week, you can save several dollars at the gas station.

Combine trips by share driving chores with neighbors

or carpooling to work. Several short trips from a cold

start can use twice as much gas as a longer, combined

trip to the same places when the engine is warm.

6. “Flooring” the gas pedal while moving away from

the light usually doesn’t get you to your destination

any faster, and it wastes gas. Drive evenly and sensibly.

7. Don’t start and stop your engine needlessly. Idling

your engine for one minute consumes the gas

amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

8. Drive steadily. Avoid tailgating. The driver in front

of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but it

affects your economy if you have to slow down unexpectedly.

Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel.

Sources: www.howtoadvice.com/savinggas, fycs.ifas.ufl.edu/