1. Pay attention to how you drive.
Don't exceed highway speed limits. Use moderate-to-easy
acceleration. Gas mileage is negatively
affected by fast acceleration and fast
deceleration. Use cruise control on highway
trips. Maintaining a constant speed helps
reduce fuel consumption.
2. Engine maintenance
Maintain a properly tuned engine. Dirty spark
plugs do not create the maximum spark and
cause reduced horsepower and increased
emissions.
3. Limit reliance on air conditioning
Limit use of air conditioning, especially
during hot summer days. Yes, we know it's
not as comfortable but the issue here is
saving gas.
4. Synthetic lubricants
Switch to synthetic motor oil and drivetrain
lubricants. Independent tests show savings
of two to five percent using AMSOIL synthetic
motor oil, gear lubes and ATF.
5. Air filter
Install clean air filter as needed. To get
optimal efficiency from your engine, it
has to breathe.
6. Aerodynamics
Keep windows rolled up at speeds over 40
mph. Open windows when driving over 40
mph can create a wind drag that will lower
your mileage. Avoid use of roof rack. Reduce
aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel
economy by placing items inside the trunk
whenever possible. Sun roofs also disturb
smooth aerodynamic air flow and reduce
mileage.
7. Tire Maintenance
Properly inflate your tires. Keep tires balanced
and rotated regularly. Use radial tires
for less friction between tire and road.
Keep front-end aligned for better mileage
and longer tire life.
8. Excess weight
Pack light and clean out your trunk. Every
200 pounds of unnecessary weight shaves
one mile per gallon off your gas mileage.
You would be surprised how much stuff most
people carry around in their trunks that
they aren't using.
9. Minimize Idling.
Idling any longer than a minute wastes gas
and one minute of idling uses more fuel
than restarting your engine. When possible
avoid drive-thrus. Idling for as little
as 10 minutes while you sit in line can
waste 5 or 6 miles worth of gas. Limit
warm-ups to 30 seconds. Allowing your vehicle
to idle excessively wastes gas.
10. Plan and combine your trips.
Make a list and do all your grocery shopping
once a week. Car pool, hike it, bike it
or use public transportation if possible. |