Fuel Economy Tips
Once again, gas and oil prices are increasing. All the newspapers report home oil prices will be exorbitant this winter. Homeowners are at their wits end trying to figure out how to save on fuel, while having to keep their families warm. Not only that, they have to pay more at the gas pumps, in order to commute to work each day. People have no control on hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico that shut down oil operations, or how much crude oil OPEC will be producing, but there are a few strategies families can utilize to cut down their gasoline consumption.
Keeping the windows closed in the car actually saves energy. The wind drag produced by open windows causes your vehicle to burn more gas than having the air conditioner running. When using the air conditioner, keep in at a low setting to be comfortable. It doesn't need to be blowing cold air constantly to be effective. During the heating season, the same techniques apply. Use only enough heat to be comfortable. This applies to your home as well. Close and weatherproof the windows in your home, decreasing draughts. Drapes over the windows also help in conserving heat.
Accelerating slowly uses less fuel than speeding up and then having to slow down. It also has less wear and tear on the tires and brakes. Try to stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, avoiding sudden stops. It takes a lot more gas to get the car accelerating again than if you gradually slowed.
Schedule regular maintenance for you vehicle, about every 3,000 miles is standard. A well maintained car uses less gas than a vehicle that is using old oil and sparkplugs. This is also true of your home heating furnace. It should be cleaned and tuned up yearly for the most energy efficiency.
Properly inflated tires are also necessary for fuel economy. Underinflated tires cause drag on the road surface, forcing your vehicle to use more energy to accelerate. Use a pressure gauge to accurately inflate your tires. You could also consider the new low-rolling resistance tires for your vehicle. They are a bit more expensive than standard tires, but you will earn your money back on fuel savings
Vehicles will also consume more fuel if they are heavily loaded. When using a truck or car for moving heavy objects or tools, remove them when you are not using them. The extra weight actually causes your vehicle to burn more fuel than usual.
Remember to shut your engine off if you are parked. Even a few minutes of waiting in a running vehicle will use up gas. It is better to turn off the car, and restart when necessary. When caught in a traffic jam, turn off the car also. This not only saves on gas, but keeps the engine from overheating and becoming damaged.
Use regular gasoline to fill your car. Most cars operate perfectly well with regular gas. It is not necessary to buy the super or special. If you are not sure, ask your car dealership or refer to the owner's manual for the gasoline recommendation. When heating your home, contact different oil companies. Prices can vary depending upon the company you are dealing with.
It is always a good idea to carpool if you know anyone else travelling in the same direction as you. It will save on gas, wear on the vehicle, and you even get to use the commuter carpooling fast lane on the highway. All of these suggestions will keep extra pennies in your pocket.
Then, of course, walking is always an option. Instead of going on errands in the car, take a walk to the store, appointment, or library. Not only will you save gas, but you will use up some extra calories along the way. - 2368
Keeping the windows closed in the car actually saves energy. The wind drag produced by open windows causes your vehicle to burn more gas than having the air conditioner running. When using the air conditioner, keep in at a low setting to be comfortable. It doesn't need to be blowing cold air constantly to be effective. During the heating season, the same techniques apply. Use only enough heat to be comfortable. This applies to your home as well. Close and weatherproof the windows in your home, decreasing draughts. Drapes over the windows also help in conserving heat.
Accelerating slowly uses less fuel than speeding up and then having to slow down. It also has less wear and tear on the tires and brakes. Try to stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, avoiding sudden stops. It takes a lot more gas to get the car accelerating again than if you gradually slowed.
Schedule regular maintenance for you vehicle, about every 3,000 miles is standard. A well maintained car uses less gas than a vehicle that is using old oil and sparkplugs. This is also true of your home heating furnace. It should be cleaned and tuned up yearly for the most energy efficiency.
Properly inflated tires are also necessary for fuel economy. Underinflated tires cause drag on the road surface, forcing your vehicle to use more energy to accelerate. Use a pressure gauge to accurately inflate your tires. You could also consider the new low-rolling resistance tires for your vehicle. They are a bit more expensive than standard tires, but you will earn your money back on fuel savings
Vehicles will also consume more fuel if they are heavily loaded. When using a truck or car for moving heavy objects or tools, remove them when you are not using them. The extra weight actually causes your vehicle to burn more fuel than usual.
Remember to shut your engine off if you are parked. Even a few minutes of waiting in a running vehicle will use up gas. It is better to turn off the car, and restart when necessary. When caught in a traffic jam, turn off the car also. This not only saves on gas, but keeps the engine from overheating and becoming damaged.
Use regular gasoline to fill your car. Most cars operate perfectly well with regular gas. It is not necessary to buy the super or special. If you are not sure, ask your car dealership or refer to the owner's manual for the gasoline recommendation. When heating your home, contact different oil companies. Prices can vary depending upon the company you are dealing with.
It is always a good idea to carpool if you know anyone else travelling in the same direction as you. It will save on gas, wear on the vehicle, and you even get to use the commuter carpooling fast lane on the highway. All of these suggestions will keep extra pennies in your pocket.
Then, of course, walking is always an option. Instead of going on errands in the car, take a walk to the store, appointment, or library. Not only will you save gas, but you will use up some extra calories along the way. - 2368
About the Author:
Roman Robinson is a freelancer for buying-tires. Be sure to read his articles on issues such as Snow Tires and Mud Tires before purchasing yours.
posted by Frank Potter at 12:55 AM
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