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With today’s uncertain fuel prices, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are getting the most gas mileage for your dollar. Here are 10 things you can do to save on gas:
- Swear off drag racing.
Gas is consumed more quickly during hard acceleration, by accelerating moderately when you get the green light, you stand to improve your mileage significantly. By tapping an SUV's V8 routinely, for example, your mileage could drop from 16 to 12 miles per gallon. That doesn't sound like much but, in fact, it is a 25-percent reduction. Over the life of the car, the savings will add up.
- Look farther down the road.
Do you really need to accelerate right up to a stoplight? Why not back off the accelerator if that traffic light two blocks away is red? Glide until you get the green and then accelerate moderately. This not only saves gas but also your brake pads.
- Pick your lane and stick with it.
Traffic studies have shown that changing lanes doesn't result in a significantly reduced travel time. So why not choose your lane and put it in cruise control? This avoids constant surging as you speed into the open lane. It will lower your fuel consumption and your blood pressure.
- Pretend you're a hybrid.
Ever notice how people like to leave their cars idling while they talk to their neighbor or jump out to run an errand? This wastes more gas than you would think. Most hybrids save gas by automatically shutting off at stoplights. We're not suggesting you do this. But if you are going to be motionless for a few minutes, shut 'er down.
- 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. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change.
- Maintain your vehicle.
Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient. Follow the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual.
- Use cruise control.
First, it smoothes out the driver's accelerator input by preventing nervous "surging." Second, it makes the driver take the long view of the road rather than reacting to every change in the traffic around them.
- Release the emergency brake.
Check your vehicle and see if you're carrying around a lot of extra weight. Take out the sacks of concrete and you might notice an improvement in your fuel economy.
- Can you carpool?
There are some very cool things about carpooling besides just the gas savings. You can use the carpool lanes and share the driving. Also, say you're stuck in a boring meeting at work. Simply glance at your watch and say, "Sorry, I'm carpooling." Everyone knows you're doing a good thing for the environment so they will nod understandingly and excuse you. And did we mention the carpool lanes?
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