Everybody wants to save gas mileage, especially now that the price of gas has been spiralling rapidly upwards. Gas prices are unlikely to come down significantly for a long time, if ever. So how would you like to save gas mileage by up to 40% or more and save up to $1. 60 or more per gallon?
Tips from the AAA and Department of Energy in the U. S and the RAC in the U. K. show you exactly how to save gas mileage big-time and fast. Here are five of the top gas mileage saving tips. The bonus is that, following these tips will not only save gas mileage but will enable your car to last for a longer time:
1. Probably the most important tip to save gas mileage with the most immediate and noticeable result is to drive smoothly. Heavy acceleration followed by sudden and heavy use of the brake will cause your car to consume much more gas than if you were to accelerate smoothly and take more time to slow down. Changing your driving habits as advised will have a dramatic effect on the amount of gas you use – and your wallet! The U. S. Department of Energy estimates that drivers can save up to 33% of their gas by driving the speed limit and driving sensibly. Assuming a gas price of $3. 84 that’s a saving of up to $1. 26 per gallon.
2. Nearly as important as the first tip and, again, with quick, noticeable results – check your tire pressures regularly and always keep them properly inflated. If you don’t know the recommended pressure for the tires of your vehicle – go find out and write them down on a card you can keep in your vehicle to remind you what the correct pressures are. Tires that are not properly inflated cause much more drag on the road and that means the engine has to put more energy into getting the wheels rolling and, according to the RAC this can consume 2% more gas. So to save gas mileage keep your tires properly inflated and you’ll notice the difference.
3. How well your vehicle is maintained has an affect on gas usage. A well-maintained car will be more efficient and waste less gas. Things like keeping the spark plugs clean and in good working order and changing the engine oil at correct times as well as many other aspects of vehicle maintenance all influence how efficiently your car uses gas. If you have not had your car checked out in a while you are probably using up more gas than an exact same vehicle that has just been in maintenance. The other advantage of a well-maintained vehicle is that it’s safer to drive and will last longer.
4. The heavier the load in your car the more gas you use. Removing unnecessary loads to lighten the vehicle will make it easier for the engine to get the car moving and keep it moving and save gas mileage. The U. S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 2% per gallon just by removing those golf clubs or other unnecessary weight from the trunk. At current gas prices that’s saving about 7. 5 cents per gallon!
5. If your car has cruise control make sure you use it, especially on long journeys on the Interstate. Recent studies by edmunds. com revealed that you can save an astounding 7 percent of gas using cruise control at highway speeds. At current gas prices that’s worth about 26 cents per gallon. If you don’t have cruise control, try and keep your speed as steady as possible and within the speed limits. Avoid the temptation to gas-it to catch up with the vehicle in front.
There are many more ways to save gas mileage. Some save more than others with more rapid results, but in these days of sky-high gas prices even small savings can mount up to a significant amount over a few months. Drivers who want to save gas mileage do not have to make big sacrifices. All it takes is a little education in finding out what will save gas and making sure you act on that information. Even the small changes, when used in combination, can have big results and save a great deal of money. So start putting these tips in to practice today. Your pocketbook will thank you!
Live. Pirillo. Com – We all cringe when we pull up to the gas pumps these days. Unfortunately, our griping won’t lower the prices at the pump. Here are some tips sent in by a reader to help you conserve gasoline, and hopefully save you some money.
