Saturday, October 25, 2008

GAS MILEAGE CAN BE EARNED!


1. Drive Sensibly

Estimated Savings: 7 to 49 cents per gallon

Aggressive driving includes speeding, rapid acceleration and constant braking. All of these facilitate waste of gas. To maintain constant speed, always pay attention to the traffic flow. You can lower gas mileage by as much as 22% on the highway and 5% on city streets by driving sensibly.

Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.

2. Replace Dirty Air Filter

Estimated Savings: 15 to 32 cents per gallon

A clean air filter protects the engine and save gas. Thus, it is greatly important to replace a clogged air filter. It has proven that once you replace a your clogged air filter can increase gas mileage as much as 10%.

Source: EPA; cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.

3. Bypass High-Octane Gas

Estimated Savings: 15 to 35 cents per gallon

Buying a high-octane gasoline won’t improve your car’s performance but will add to your fuel cost.

Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

4. Maintain the Speed Limit

Estimated Savings: 10 cents per gallon

Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, thus by observing the speed limit and using cruise control during highway driving will conserve gas.

Source: EPA; cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.

5. Drop the Weight

Estimated Savings: 3 to 6 cents per gallon

Unload unnecessary and heavy luggage in your vehicle An extra 100 pounds could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2%. Based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s total weight it affects smaller cars more than larger ones.

Source: EPA; cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.

6. Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Estimated Savings: Up to 10 cents per gallon

If your vehicle’s tire is not inflated properly, it’s just like driving with the parking brake on. This can cost a mile or two per gallon. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

Source: EPA; cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.

7. Use The Recommended Oil

Estimated Savings: 3 to 6 cents a gallon

Using a grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer of your car can improve your gas mileage by up to 2%.

Source: EPA; cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.

8 Avoid Long Idles

Estimated Savings: Additional miles per gallon

When you allow your vehicle to run idle longer that one minute is equivalent of putting your money in a trash. Shut off the car; it takes less gas to restart it than what is being used while sitting still. You are burning gas but getting zero miles per gallon.

Source: Car Care Council

9. Check Gas Cap

Estimated Waste: Gallons of gas each year

Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing can cause gallons of gas to vaporize. So to be able to save you from gas overuse, send your car to the pump sooner than necessary.

Source: Car Care Council

10. Get a Plan

Estimated Waste: Gallons of gas each year

Plan your day. Trips to the grocery store, dry cleaners and shopping centers should be planned so you are not wasting time retracing your route. Make a list of what you need so you don’t forget something and have to make a return trip.