1) Learn, then use your Cruise Control
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- Most cars come with cruise control as standard equipment. Most people never
use it. It takes a little time and practice to get comfortable using cruise control.
Your improvements in gas mileage are almost certain. The
fingertip control of the car's speed is nice too. Check your owner's manual and
start using what your car has to offer.
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2) Carry less weight
in the car
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- That means everything! Take what you don't need or use every day out of the
car. Leave it out and don't let it build up.
Less gas in the tank = lighter car weight
Gasoline weighs more than 6 lbs per gallon. So 10 gallons is 60+ lbs
of weight. Keeping a full tank might mean you are carrying extra
pounds. Lighten up if you can.
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3) Maintenance
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- The engine needs a clean air filter for good gas mileage. Good wheel
alignment and tire conditions can help the car "glide" easier. With
proper care most modern cars should not "lose gas mileage" for 100,00
miles.
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4) Stop the engine if you are not moving.
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- Don't let the car idle for more than a minute. If you are stuck at a
train crossing or in traffic that is completely stopped shut the car off.
Be courteous and restart in time for the driver behind you so they will not
sit and idle their engine.
- Don't "warm up" the car for more than a few seconds. Older and
more tired cars might need a break on this one, but a well maintained modern car
is ready to go right away.
- Rethink the convenience of the drive through windows. Is 5 minutes of
engine idle worth the walk inside?
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5) "A fact of life"
Less(Speed)
= More(MPG)
More(Speed)
= Less(MPG)
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- The math here is also simple: The air drag on a car goes up a
lot
faster than your speed.
That means a small difference in highway speed makes a bigger
difference in fuel mileage.
- Cruise control helps a lot.
- Smooth, steady pickup when you start moving does too.
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