With record-
setting gas prices at the pump, now's the time to make sure you're stretching every mile you can out of each gallon of gas. So before you hit the road this spring and summer, make sure you take a few simple steps to operate more fuel efficiently... and save some cash.
Put a Lid on It. Did you know that a bad seal on your gas cap could allow as much as 30 gallons of gas to evaporate over the course of a year? Before you leave the pump, make sure you tighten the cap completely. And if you notice that the rubber seal on the cap is beginning to wear out or crack, replace it. This minimal investment will pay dividends down the road.
Don't Just Kick the Tires...Check Them! Under-inflated tires are one of the most common reasons for poor gas mileage. If your tires are under-inflated by just 20%, your gas mileage can drop by as much as 15%. That means you'd be getting two to three miles LESS per gallon...which leads to filling up sooner and paying at the pump more often than you need to.
Take a Load Off. For every 100 pounds of unwanted weight your car carries, your fuel economy drops up to 2%. Shedding that unwanted poundage--including golf clubs, bike racks, and tools--can save you the equivalent of three to six cents per gallon! So check your trunk and empty out any unnecessary items.
Ease on Down the Road. Remember, unnecessary stops and starts, as well as aggressive acceleration can overshadow all of the good tips on this list--so take it easy on your gas pedal. You'll also want to use your cruise control wisely. For instance, turn off cruise control when climbing steep hills to stop your car from automatically cranking up to maintain its speed. And, leave your cruise control off when you go down the other side of that steep hill--your car doesn't understand gravity as well as you do and, therefore, won't take advantage of the downhill momentum.
Give It Some Air. Believe it or not, replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10%! Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.
Consider Using Overdrive Gears. By using the overdrive gears, you can reduce your car's engine speed... which means you'll save gas and reduce engine wear at the same time.
Stop Idling. Finally, if you're sitting still for longer than a minute, you should consider shutting down the car. Idling endlessly reduces gas mileage and wastes precious fuel you could be using to get across town.
By following these simple tips, you'll be taking better care of your car...and your wallet!
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