At the end of September, gasoline prices were 25.6% higher than a year ago, well above the overall inflation rate. Frankly, the best way to save on gasoline is to use less of it. To do this, studies show that the single biggest factor that affects your vehicle’s fuel economy is how you drive. Here are some fuel-saving driving tips along with other advice from experts that can reduce your visits to those high-priced pumps.
Fuel-saving driving habits:
Avoid hard accelerations. Take off smoothly, with light to moderate throttle, so that your automatic transmission shifts into higher gears sooner, reducing engine RPMs and saving fuel. With a manual transmission, upshift as soon as you can without lugging the engine. If possible, skip-shift, going from first gear directly into third.
Drive the speed limit. Aerodynamic drag at speeds above 50 mph causes fuel economy to drop off, big-time.
Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. But, be safe—never use cruise control on slippery roads, as it could cause you to lose control.
Avoid prolonged idling. There is no need to warm up the engine in most vehicles. If you will be stopped more than a minute, shut off the engine. If your vehicle has an automatic engine stop-start system, use it.
Approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the accelerator early. Let your vehicle coast to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
In a city, following the speed limit will help time traffic lights to reduce repeated braking and accelerations.
More fuel-saving tips:
Do not use more expensive fuel than what the manufacturer recommends. If you do not need it, premium fuel provides no added benefits.
Minimize using roof racks and special carriers, and remove them when not in use. On the highway, a loaded rack or car top container has a major negative effect on gas mileage. Even an empty bike, kayak, or ski rack reduces fuel economy.
Do not leave heavy items in your vehicle. It takes more fuel to move a heavier vehicle. The smaller the vehicle, the greater the fuel penalty for added weight
Fuel-saving opportunities:
Consolidate multiple errands in a single trip.
Avoid driving during the high-traffic times of the day where you’re more likely to idle.
If you have more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient one that meets your needs.
Fuel-saving vehicle buying and maintenance tips:
Keep tires properly inflated. In addition to cutting your fuel economy, underinflation hurts handling and braking, hastens tire wear, and can cause tires to overheat and blow out.
Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This optimizes fuel economy.
If the “Check Engine” light comes on, bring your vehicle to a repair shop as soon as you can. This may signal a problem with excessive emissions and reduced fuel economy.
If you are looking at either selling your home or purchasing one, give me a call as I am here to help.
Mary Cockburn/505-639-2090/MaryCockburn.Realtor@gmail.com
