Fuel Savings Tips -How to stretch that tank of gas?
Posted Friday, May 9th, 2008 by Craig
Here are 12 tips for how to stretch a tank of gas.
1. Change your air filter. A clogged air filter leaves your engine gasping for breath and means you’re probably running with a “rich” mixture, that is, more gas and less air. Many department and auto stores carry air filters, and they are simple to change. A clogged air filter can cost you 1 mpg. Replace your air filter regularly.
2. Change your oil as recommmended by manufacturer. Usually every 3000 miles. Dirty oil cuts back engine efficiency, so make sure your oil is changed according to the car manufacturer’s recommended schedule. You can change your own, and buying your own oil is much cheaper. There’s a drain plug under your engine that will come out readily with a wrench. Have a bucket ready to catch the dirty oil, and remember to dispose of it safely and responsibly. NEVER empty your used oil in the sewer or in your lawn.
3. If your fan belt is too tight, your engine is working too hard and wasting gas. The belt should give a little to finger pressure when the engine is not running. if it doesn’t, you can easily adjust the tension with a wrench.
4. Change your old spark plugs. Badly worn spark plugs can cost you as much as 2 mpg. This is probably a job for a trained technician.
5. The car has been a way of life for most Americans. There are alternatives. These include mass transit, bike paths, and carpools.
6. Purchase smaller vehicles. Heavier cars are more costly to run. A reduction of 200 pounds in automotive weight typically improves fuel economy by nearly 5 percent.
7. Use the air conditioner in your car as little as possible. It uses a lot of gas. Roll down the windows and get some fresh air!
8. Using cruise control can save gas. If you drive on the open road often, staying at a constant speed will save fuel.
9. If you are taking a trip, start while traffic is light. Plan to stop for meals at times when traffic is heavy.
10. Don’t let your car idle for a long time to warm it up. Also, don’t let your car idle for more than a minute after it is warmed up-this idling wastes more gas than restarting your car.
11. Do not rev the engine and then quickly shut your car off. This wastes gas. It also pumps raw gasoline into the cylinder walls. This can wash away a film of oil that protects the cylinders and will increase engine wear.
12. Check your tires. Your owner’s manual has important information on your tires, including the correct air pressure that should be in them. Underinflation of your tires can cost you as much as 1 mpg. Radial tires have 50 percent less road resistance, so they give you 3 to 19 percent better mpg.
Adapted from 547 Ways to be Fuel Smart, by Roger Albright. Thanks Critter!
Filed under Green Tip of the Week, Uncategorized
May 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
If you live in St. Louis or the surrounding metro area that mass transit system is a fabulous way to get where you need to be! The MetroLink has never been late when I have needed it. Chances are whenever you go out you see one of those big MetroBuses. Next time, instead of getting stuck behind it get on it! The more people that use the Metro system the more efficient it will get due to a show of interest. It is me personal summer goal to make my bike and the bus my primary sources of transportation; join me and let’s make st. louis a cleaner, greener city!
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:24 pm
I feel that the IQAir HEPA filters saved my life. Had power bronchitis in 2008 that would not go away. The physician that launched me from the hospital recommended that I get a HEPA filter (stated that a Sharper Image sort air filter would make me worse as a result of ozone it creates). Searched on line and found the IQAir and all of the nice critiques, bought (1 for every level of our townhouse) and love them. I can tell as soon as I stroll into the home the distinction that they make.