sexta-feira, 15 de junho de 2012

Better Fuel Economy for Your Car

By Gene Fink


With the current economy it has become extremely important to reduce fuel costs and the amount of emissions released from running cars. Unless a new car is on the shopping list, the average citizen has to resort to diligence and common sense to save fuel.

Smooth running vehicles use less gas. Keeping up with monthly and yearly maintenance work with your car will lower gas use and keep your engine running smoothly. In order to lower fuel consumption, owners must change oil, air filters, and any other fluids under the hood of their car.

Tires that are under-inflated use more fuel. Don't puzzle yourself over your tires, just check them routinely and fill the air to your tires required psi.

With every gas-powered vehicle, anytime the engine is on, gas is being used. In long queues, like at the drive-through or at school waiting for the kids to come out, it may be more economical to switch the car off rather than idle. However, this is only true if the car will be idling for more than a minute. Fuel consumption will be the same if the car is switched on and off for a minute verses idling for a minute.

Reduce cold startups by aggregating multiple trips into one. Combining trips creates a warm start for your car allowing it to utilize fuel more efficiently.

Weighing your car down is not an effective way to become fuel efficient. Luggage and trailers increase fuel usage by weighing the car down.

Believe it or not, but a clean car is more fuel efficient than a dirty one. A study in aerodynamics shows that waxed and washed cars have lower fuel consumption.

Driving behavior affects fuel efficiency. Being consistent and smooth when driving will provide the best use of fuel. Fast acceleration, braking hard and excessive speed all use more fuel.

Before going on a drive organize your trip with directions of the best routes to take. Find low-traffic routes to keep your car flowing at a consistent speed. Of course getting lost and driving around aimlessly for hours won't save any gas either.

If its hot outside, use the air conditioner verses letting down the windows to save more gas. Use the air conditioner to reduce the temperature inside the car, then switch it off until needed.

Walk or go for a bike ride to reach a destination close by. An easier and healthy alternative to driving is to walk everywhere possible.

When buying a new car, consider a hybrid or electric car that will not only be economical, but will also take better care of the environment. Try to cut down on the size of the car whenever possible.




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