Stretch your dollars for that long family trip
With summer driving season here, we’re all looking for ways to get the best possible millage out of our vehicles. Our friends at AC Delco Intune magazine suggest these easy tips below, and you can find more tips from the EPA when you visit www.fueleconomy.gov and click “Tips.”
Drive the speed limit. Many newer cars have cruise control, this is a great tool regulating speed and gas consumption. Fluctuations in speed simply uses more fuel.
Drive sensibly. Hard accelerating and braking wastes fuel, aggressive driving habits are also tough on your vehicles components.
Avoid prolonged idling. When a engine is running, it gets 0 miles per gallon.
Keep your engine properly tuned. Vehicle maintenance is important to keep your engine in top performing condition. Details like worn spark plugs, dirty air and fuel filters can add up and make a big difference in fuel economy. Poorly maintained vehicles can use more fuel and have higher than normal emissions.
Remove excessive storage from car and trunk. Carry only what you need, an extra 100 pounds could reduce fuel mileage up to 2 percent.
Use only recommended grade of motor oil. Your vehicle’s manufacturer calls for a specific grade of engine oil, deviating could effect your gas mileage by 2 percent.
Keep tires properly inflated. This is a simple, proven method for maintaining optimal fuel economy. On most cars, the factory recommended tire pressure is listed on the inside of the drivers door. On European cars, this information in located on the inside of the fuel door. However, over inflated tires are dangerous, you risk the chance of a tire blow out, and also reduce tire traction.
Avoid rooftop carriers. Trendy racks and accessory pods add aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, causing your motor to work harder to maintain highway speeds.
