High gas prices and how to conserve fuel economy seems to be a common talking point amongst many drivers. In busy cities like San Francisco, concerns about rising gas prices are making many drivers hyper-aware of their driving habits. With that in mind, here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you on the road to optimizing your fuel economy.
Don’t Speed
Even if you are in a rush, pushing the speed limit will reduce your overall miles per gallon. Stick to 65MPH on the highway, and you will be amazed by the efficiency of your engine. While it might seem frustrating when you are on a road trip, the amount you save by driving the speed limit really adds up. If you’re tempted to get to your destination faster, or have a heavy foot, use your cruise control.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Your tires should be inflated to the manufacturer’s standards. Look on the rim of the tire itself to see the required psi’s (pounds per square inch) for your car tires, and make sure you use an air gauge to fill them up the right amount. Having your tire at the right pressure will make a noticeable difference in your fuel efficiency, the way your car handles, and the way in which your tires wear.
Don’t Blast the Air Conditioner
Both air conditioners and heaters waste a lot of fuel, so only use them when you really need them. If it’s 75 degrees and sunny, consider using the fan, or roll down your windows. Turning on the air conditioner for no reason will do nothing but reduce your overall gas mileage and waste money.
Drive Smoothly
In addition to relieving your passengers of that car-sick feeling they might get when you slam on the brakes, focusing on smoother driving will help your fuel efficiency. There is no reason to speed towards a stop sign, only to slam on the brakes, then gun the engine again once you’ve paused. Focus on stopping slowly, and accelerating slowly as well. It’s simple, but it will save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
Remove Excessive Weight
Busy professionals, soccer moms, or anyone with a hectic schedule knows the drill. You mean to clean out your car, until one day you realize your golf clubs, boxes of books to donate, sporting equipment, and dry cleaning are piled in the back. The clutter is one thing, but the additional weight you are adding to your car is another issue entirely. To maximize your fuel efficiency, clean out your car. Get those heavy golf clubs out of the car unless you need them, and drop those books at the library. By lightening your load, you will be maximizing your miles per gallon.
And of course, make sure you service your car regularly to make sure it is running in tip top shape. I can guarantee if you follow these tips, the trips to the gas pump will be much less painful.