As gas prices continue to rise, we've scoured the internet to find tips to help save you money at the pump. Here are our Top Ten Fuel Saving Tips with helpful links and sources.
Eliminate jack-rabbit starts and accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.
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 if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly. One steady pace is far more efficient.
Car pool
When all riders chip in for gas it's a lot cheaper. Sharing rides also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.
Consider walking or biking for short trips
Not only will you save on gas, it's a healthy alternative.
Lighten up
Don't haul anything you don't absolutely need. Remove the bicycle or ski racks between trips and take the flags off (it's not really the extra weight that hurts your gas mileage; it's mostly aerodynamic drag). Be sure to check your trunk, glove box and front and back seats for belongings that you really don't need on a permanent basis. This won't save you a fortune (unless you have a habit of driving with the full trunk all the time) - but with gas prices rising, it does save enough to consider an automotive clean out, and it doesn't cost a dime.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Buy a quality tire gauge and check the pressure of your tires before you start. Remember to check while they're cold and do it at least once a month. When your tires are under-inflated, they require much more horsepower to rotate, thus consuming more gas. Most cars have a label that lists proper tire pressure, usually on a plate attached to the drivers door. Your owner's manual has the original tire specifications and required inflation pressures also, as long as you haven't changed tire sizes, these are the numbers you want to target.
Get back to nature
Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you'll save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof.
Take care of your car
Particularly important is proper maintenance, including engine tune-ups, wheel alignments, tire pressure checks, and filter replacement.
Eliminate jack-rabbit starts and accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.
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 if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly. One steady pace is far more efficient.
Car pool
When all riders chip in for gas it's a lot cheaper. Sharing rides also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.
Consider walking or biking for short trips
Not only will you save on gas, it's a healthy alternative.
Lighten up
Don't haul anything you don't absolutely need. Remove the bicycle or ski racks between trips and take the flags off (it's not really the extra weight that hurts your gas mileage; it's mostly aerodynamic drag). Be sure to check your trunk, glove box and front and back seats for belongings that you really don't need on a permanent basis. This won't save you a fortune (unless you have a habit of driving with the full trunk all the time) - but with gas prices rising, it does save enough to consider an automotive clean out, and it doesn't cost a dime.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Buy a quality tire gauge and check the pressure of your tires before you start. Remember to check while they're cold and do it at least once a month. When your tires are under-inflated, they require much more horsepower to rotate, thus consuming more gas. Most cars have a label that lists proper tire pressure, usually on a plate attached to the drivers door. Your owner's manual has the original tire specifications and required inflation pressures also, as long as you haven't changed tire sizes, these are the numbers you want to target.
Get back to nature
Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you'll save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof.
Take care of your car
Particularly important is proper maintenance, including engine tune-ups, wheel alignments, tire pressure checks, and filter replacement.
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