Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Smart Gas Saving Tips:
- 1. Avoid Excessive Idling
You get zero miles per gallon when idling, and the larger the engine the more fuel wasted. If the line at the fast food emporium is long, park the car and go inside to order. Sitting in line waiting for that accident to get cleared or the drawbridge to re-open, shut of the engine.
Avoid fast starts
Aggressive driving ( rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage dramatically, by up to 30% or more. ( or up to the equivalent of 90 cents per gallon*) Smooth driving is also safer. - 2. Observe The Speed Limit
Yes, you might feel like you are getting run over, especially on the Interstate, but fast driving lowers fuel economy dramatically. You can figure roughly that every 5 MPH over 60 MPH costs you an additional $.20 per gallon*.
Keep Your Engine Tuned
A engine that is not tuned properly can waste as much as 40% of your gas. Follow the manufacturers directions in your owners manual and if you hear, feel or smell something "funny", have your engine checked right away. Fuel ratios, spark plug timing and condition can all dramatically affect gas mileage.
Use a CashBack/Rewards Credit Card
You can save a significant amount on your gas purchases by using a credit card that gives you cash back, rebates or even rewards points you can use to buy other things. There are many of these cards on the market, some are for specific brands and some can be used worldwide at any gas station accepting credit cards. We have provided information and links on gas rebate cards on this page. To see more credit cards, - 3 .Use the Correct Grade of Fuel
Many people think that they need Premium when Regular will do just fine, especially owners of "fast" cars. Again, read the owners manual and use the recommended fuel. Also, be careful in areas of the country selling fuel with Ethanol, be sure your engine is approved to run on E85 fuel or you could cause engine damage - just a little side note here.
Don't top off your tank
Stop filling when the automatic shut off engages. Filling the tank up to the filler cap can lead to spilling some fuel, thus wasting it and doing a small part to harm the environment. - 4. Use Your Cruise Control
This will prevent speed creep (maybe saving a costly ticket) and keeps the engine running efficiently. Slowing down and then speeding up repeatedly will waste fuel, the amount is hard to quantify but logic tells us that accelerating burns extra fuel.
4. Check and Replace Filters
A clogged air filter can cause damage your engine as well decrease gas mileage by up to 10%, that is like paying and extra $.30 a gallon*. Also have your fuel and oil filters checked and changed at regular intervals. - 5. Clean out your vehicle
The excess weight can add up. Hauling around an extra 100 pounds can reduce mileage a percent or two depending on the weight of the vehicle, but every little bit adds up. Even a 2% loss in efficiency is like paying $.06 more per gallon*
Reduce Trips and Consolidate Errands
A little planning goes a long way. By using you vehicle less, you no only save on gas, but on all the other variable costs of operating it, including tires, oil changes, tune-ups, and even depreciation and insurance. So plan your trips wisely.Shop the internet before you drive to the store, especially if the trip is to just look at a new TV, appliance or whatever. - 6. Buy a smaller car
Don't go out and dump the gas hog for a high mileage car just to get better mileage. The payback may take years since buying a new car may cost your sales tax, higher insurance, etc. But if the old buggy is ready for a new home then consider a smaller, more efficient vehicle if it will still fit your needs. - 7. Use Public Transportation, Walk, or Ride Your Bike
This tip again not only save fuel, but wear and tear on your vehicle, and , you get a little exercise to boot. Take a walk to the store, you may see things in your neighborhood you have missed while driving your 2 ton behemoth that 1/4 mile to the grocery, or put a basket on the old bike and starting peddling, again you may enjoy the scenery a lot more. Sort of goes with the old "Stop and Smell the Roses" thing.
Cut Wind Resistance
Got that little flag flying from the antenna or back window? Use a decal instead.Got a roof rack or carrier? Take it off unless you need it, it adds weight and wind resistance.Driving a pickup? Take the gate off when possible, they can reduce mileage by up to 30%. - 8. Tires
Check the air pressure often ( this is not only a gas saving tip, but a safety tip) - low air pressure can reduce mileage, and worse, cause the tire to heat up and blow.Keep your tires rotated and aligned, mis-aligned tires can cause drag, plus they wear faster costing you money for new tires prematurely.
Watch Your Feet (what is he talking about?)
Keep that left foot off the brake, it not only will cause drag thus reducing gas mileage, it also wears your brakes out much faster (costing you money) and it confuses the driver behind you.
* Savings are based on $3.00 per gallon for gas.
11 car-care tips that save gas
By bell
Fill up with a lower-octane gasoline. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Unless your car requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane fuel is a waste of money. That pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy or performance in the least, so skip it.
If you're not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner's manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you're good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste your money paying for gas your car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.
Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.
Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.
"If you let your car bake in the sun there's going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade," says Jim Kliesch, research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and vehicle analyst for GreenerCars.com.
So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.
Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
Pump up your tires. Don't get caught driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage.
"Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60," says Brian Moody, road test editor at Edmunds.com.
Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.
Check your tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.
Keep your engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
Replace air filters. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.
Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it.
"Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance," Moody says. "The car's designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient."
Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual. For more auto-care guidelines check out this free maintenance schedule from the Car Care Council.
If you're not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner's manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you're good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste your money paying for gas your car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.
Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.
Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.
"If you let your car bake in the sun there's going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade," says Jim Kliesch, research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and vehicle analyst for GreenerCars.com.
So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.
Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
Pump up your tires. Don't get caught driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage.
"Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60," says Brian Moody, road test editor at Edmunds.com.
Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.
Check your tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.
Keep your engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
Replace air filters. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.
Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it.
"Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance," Moody says. "The car's designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient."
Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual. For more auto-care guidelines check out this free maintenance schedule from the Car Care Council.
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