10 Ways to Save Fuel
Looking for ways to save money at the pump? Who isn’t, right? With summer fast approaching and vacations only a few weeks away, keeping your vehicle running smooth can save money, fuel, time and help the environment, too.
There are many ways motorists can save money every day, so here are ten good tips from the second edition of Auto Repair for Dummies to help you save on fuel costs and get more out of your car:
1. Don’t warm up your car in the morning. Warming your car up especially in the spring and summer months – wastes fuel, and money, too
2. Consider changing the way you drive. Start the vehicle and accelerate smoothly, watch your speed and resist constantly changing lanes. If you can, slow down instead of braking.
3. Consider using air vents, windows and the sunroof before turning on the air conditioning.
4. Try to pump gas during cooler times of the day and fill up the tank.
5. Check tire pressure. Remember, under-inflated and over-inflated tires wear out faster.
6. Consider changing the way you shop and run errands, For example, combine several short trips into one longer one.
7. If destinations are close, consider a bike ride instead of piling into the car. (Better yet, buy a moped they’re so much fun in great weather and you can save a small fortune on fuel costs!)
8. Clear out the trunk of your vehicle and get rid of things you don’t need. Experts say every 500 pounds you haul costs you from 2 to 5 mpg.
9. Check under the hood. Experts say a dirty air filter can cost a mile per gallon at 50 mph. Misfiring spark plugs can increase fuel consumption by 25 percent.
10. Consider trading your older car in for a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid can get you close to 60 mpg, and you may even qualify for a federal rebate. Check for state rebates by visiting the United States Department of Energy Efficiency website at www.eere.energy.gov.
Auto Repair for Dummies, written by Deanna Sclar, is a great book and one I highly recommend for anyone who would like to learn more about auto repair and vehicle maintenance. You can order a copy through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, your local bookstore, check it out at your local library or visit Dummies.com.
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That’s a great list! Another way is to drive less. Walking, riding a bike and joining a carpool are great ways to cut back on gas consumption.
Hi Erika: Thanks for stopping by!