1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
2. Don’t start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
3. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don’t push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows the car to function at peak efficiency.
4. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to “volume of measurement.”
5. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first “click” of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
6. Never exceed legal speed limit. Traveling at 55 mph gives you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
7. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.
8. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you “nurse it along.”
However, if you cause the engine to “bog down,” premature wearing of engine parts occurs.
9. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
10. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but it affects your gas usage if he slows down unexpectedly.
11. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.
12. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts “mechanical drag” on components, wearing them down prematurely. This “dragging” also demands additional fuel usage.
13. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
14. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the “green light” all the way.
15. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
16. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
17. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.
18. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
19. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer’s specifications for maximum tire pressures.
20. When buying a new car bear in mind that a fancy sun roof, while visually attractive, disturbs smooth air flow thus lowering gas mileage.
21. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.
22. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by one to two percent and even more if driving up inclines.
23. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater “steady speed” economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.
24. Would you like to know where to find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood? Go to: http://www.gasbuddy.com/It is comprised of 170 gas price information web sites that help people find low gasoline prices. Check it out.
Harold Herring