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    Sparx Auto Gas Milage Tips
 

Gas prices go up and go down - you can never tell! Even when gas prices are down, it is always a good idea to have the best fuel savings tips to save even more money!

Along with saving money, these gas savings tips can also improve the performance of your vehicle!

Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use. If you are already following these tips, you are probably getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver.

Drive More Efficiently
Keep Your Car in Shape
Plan & Combine Trips
Choose a More Efficient Vehicle

Drive More Efficiently!

  1. For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by 7%.
  2. Accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Potential gas savings is 33% on the highway and
    5% around town.
  3. Driving with your foot on the brake increases fuel consumption.
  4. Avoid excessive idling – you’re getting 0 miles per gallon.
  5. During the cold winter months, warm your vehicle up for only 45 – 60 seconds before
    putting it into gear – that’s all the time that is necessary.
  6. For every extra 100 pounds in the trunk, you loose 1% to 2% in fuel efficiency.
  7. Use the highest gear possible – lower gears use more fuel.
  8. The A/C uses more fuel, but open windows can be even worse due to drag on the vehicle.
    Use open windows for slow driving and the A/C for highway driving.
  9. Several short trips begun with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip of the same total distance.
  10. Cruise control can improve mileage only if you are driving on mostly flat terrain.
 

Keep Your Car in Shape!

Don't forget, the simple things too! Check your tire pressure frequently and keep up on your regular maintenance schedule, such as your oil changes, air filter replacements. These items alone will not only improve your gas mileage, but will also keep your vehicle running its best!

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.

Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1-2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

 

Plan & Combine Trips

Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient.

With a little planning, you can avoid retracing your route and reduce the distance you travel as well. You'll not only save fuel, but also reduce wear and tear on your car.

Commuting
If you can, stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours, you'll spend less time sitting in traffic and consume less fuel.

If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.

Ride Share SignConsider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.

If possible, take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use special High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.

Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.

Traveling
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.

Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

 

Chose a More Efficient vehicle

Let's face it, we all just can't afford to run out and buy a new car!

Using the previous tips from Sparx Auto will not only save fuel, but will help protect the investment of your vehicle.

Should you be in the market for a newer fuel economy vehicle, the www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates and more information for 1985-2009 model year cars.

Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.

Fuel Economy Guide Cover

The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $665 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.66).

That's $3,325 extra in fuel costs over five years!

Use www.fueleconomy.gov's Find and Compare Cars section to find the most fuel efficient vehicle that will meet your needs.