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September 29, 2004 |
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FUEL ECONOMY
Increasing Your Car`s Mileage
Fuel economy tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:
1. Drive gently. Reduce your breaking and quick acceleration. Cars use the least amount of gas when they maintain a reasonable speed. Use cruise control whenever possible. Also, driving at steady speeds saves gas, which is all the more reason to do so.
2. Lighten up! Remove all extra weight from your car that you do not absolutely need. While carrying around the golf clubs in the back might be a source of discussion on "need", cars carrying extra weight use more gas.
3. Minimize air conditioning use. When possible, close the windows and use the vents to bring in outside air.
4. Combine errands into one trip. It sounds simple, but think of the miles (and gas) you could save by stopping by the store on the way home from work instead of heading back out.
5. Car pool. If you and a co-worker trade off on who drives which day or week, you can both save gas and money.
Also, make sure your car is in good repair
1. Start by checking your tire pressures. (`Fess up - when is the last time you really checked it? In all four tires?) It takes more effort (read: "fuel") for the engine to propel an underinflated tire than a properly inflated one. Beware over-inflation, which can lead to handling problems and uneven wear on the tires.
2. Change the air filter. This is an inexpensive part to buy and depending on the car, even a beginner can learn to do it. Check the owner`s manual for recommendations. Change this more often if you live in a particularly dusty area, travel on dirt or gravel roads or if you off-road for sport.
3. Make sure the spark plugs are firing properly. Replace them if needed.
4. Make sure the engine timing is appropriate.
5. Inspect the exhaust system and muffler. There should be no holes (Chances are if you have an exhaust problem, you will hear it.)
 Did You Know?
- Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
- Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $.10 per gallon for gas.
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