How To Achieve Better Fuel Economy
Posted by admin at 5 March 2015, at 12 : 45 PM
Achieving better fuel economy is something that we should strive for. Scientists say that global oil production is now at or near its zenith. In just a few decades, there won’t be enough oil to slake the world’s growing thirst for energy. The prices of a barrel just keeps on rising and there is no chance that it will decline. That’s why, it’s now absolutely vital to examine all the ways for achieving better fuel economy.
Achieve better fuel economy with the right decisions
The first and perhaps best way to improve your fuel economy is to purchase a fuel-efficient car, especially if you are on the lookout for a new vehicle. Toyota, Honda, and Lexus are leading the way when it comes to hybrid electric cars and such automobiles can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, the 2007 and newer Toyota Camry Hybrid has a rock solid 187 horsepower, reaches 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 7.7 seconds and consumes only 30 Miles Per Gallon. 2007 or newer Honda Civic Hybrid has an EPA city/highway rating of 49/51 mpg.
But if you don’t intend to buy a hybrid electric car, then your best bet is to keep your current one very well maintained. Cars that are in poor condition tend to use more gas than those which are tuned up. A clean air filter can provide a better fuel economy with up to 20%. Adding gas additives not only decreases CO2 emissions, but can sometimes increase the gas mileage with as much as 25%. Always make sure all four tyres have the correct air pressure, because under or over inflated tires can burn more gas. Also, it’s more economical to use the air conditioner on a highway than in the city traffic where you constantly stop and go.
Try scheduling your trips in periods of lower traffic whenever it’s possible for you to choose. Rush hours and traffic jams have a heavy impact on a car’s gas mileage, because of the often start and stops. And when you are going out with the car, try to combine things, like buying groceries on your way back from work. Optimizing your trips definitely provides better fuel economy.
It’s logical that any extra load increases the fuel consumption, as tests have proven that for every extra 250 pounds your engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in fuel economy.
A very interesting tip is to buy gas during the coolest times of the day. This is due to the fact that during those periods, gasoline has the highest density, while gas pumps measure the volume, not the density of the gasoline.
Check your car’s manual and see what octane fuel is recommended. You will save money by buying the lowest octane rated gasoline that your car will tolerate.
The style of driving has a really strong influence on the gas mileage. For better fuel economy, drive at a constant moderate speed. If your car has a cruise control function, use it when you are on the highway. Accelerate slowly and brake over a longer distance. Basically, don’t push the pedal too hard.