Print

Fuel Economy



GAS SAVING TIPS

The high cost of gas has left many searching for ways to squeeze a few more miles out of a gallon of gas. Congressional Motors and its well-trained, knowledgeable Team Members can help you save money and increase vehicle efficiency by repairing and replacing various vehicle systems, fluids and parts themselves.

Saving gas can be as easy as changing a dirty air filter. A clean air filter can increase a vehicle's fuel efficiency up to 10 percent! With today's uncertain fuel prices, it's more important than ever to make sure you are getting the most gas mileage for your dollar. There are several quick, simple and inexpensive things that you can do yourself to save gas:

Know-how ways to save:

  • If you haven't already, change to synthetic motor oil. It reduces engine friction and can improve gas mileage.
  • Adding fuel injector cleaner at every oil change will keep injector nozzles clean, and spraying properly, which will create better combustion and deliver maximum power.
  • Consider installing window film in southern climates, it can reduce cabin temperature as much as 20 degrees; dramatically reducing the need for air conditioning that consumes additional gas. Check local laws on www.gilafilms.com.
  • Have your tires inflated with nitrogen instead of air. Nitrogen in your tires maintains proper pressure, which keeps the recommended "contact patch" on the road longer and reduces rolling resistance, which translates to better fuel economy. In fact, properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage by about 3.3 percent. That's a savings no one would scoff at.
  • After filling up, be sure the gas cap clicks 3 times. Improperly seated gas caps allow 147 million gallons of fuel to vaporize every year in the U.S.
  • Consider a locking gas cap, but be sure it meets/exceeds your vehicle manufacturer specifications.
  • Plan your day efficiently. The less trips you have to make, the more you save in fuel.

Buying gas the right way:

  • Buy gasoline during the coolest time of day-early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind that gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to volume of measurement. *

Know-how ways to drive and save:

  • Eliminate "jackrabbit starts." Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop.
  • Traveling at 55 mph produces up to 21% better mileage when compared to 65 - 70 mph.
  • Maintain momentum everywhere possible. The less inertia your vehicle has to overcome, the less fuel it will use.
  • Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it gently before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

Start your engines:

  • Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings-30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
  • For 1996 & newer vehicles that utilize a vast array of sensors which tell the fuel delivery system exactly how much fuel (lean or rich) to give at startup, turn off your engine if you are stopping for more than 30 seconds. The lean startup mixture usually translates to less gasoline than what the engine would have used sitting at idle for an extended time.
  • For older vehicles that do not have engine management sensors in place, or are carbureted engines, don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the same amount of gas as when you start the engine.

Know-how in Advance:

  • Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.
  • Regular tune-ups ensure the best fuel economy; check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters and proper tire pressures.
  • Inflate all tires to the manufacturer's recommendations for the vehicle; rolling resistance created by low tire pressure can reduce mileage as much as 25%.
  • Running your vehicle's air conditioner can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%.
  • Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
  • Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense-all riders chip in to help you buy gas. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert.
  • During cold weather, remove snow and ice from your vehicle, which otherwise can cause tremendous wind resistance and add up to 100 additional pounds to the vehicle.


Sources: * www.howtoadvice.com