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With gas prices on the rise, there is no better time to review
what you can do to limit your fuel consumption.
1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use
more gasoline.
2. Plan trips to avoid unnecessary driving.
3. When you use your air conditioner you get much lower mileage
so use it sparingly. Try using a lower setting if you have one.
You also don't need your AC on full blast for extended periods of
time. Turn the AC on until you feel cool enough, then turn the
AC off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Turn it back on
when you get too hot.
4. Take unnecessary items out of the car. Extra weight effects
your gas mileage.
5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually
reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill.
6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid
gridlock. Or try leaving earlier than you normally would to limit
time stuck in traffic.
7. Drive steady and try to keep a constant speed. The more your
speed fluctuates the more gas you will use.
8. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open
windows cause additional drag.
9. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time.
10. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of
time, especially with new cars.
11. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears. Use overdrive or a
high gear when possible.
12. Drive the speed limit.
13. Accelerate gradually when leaving stop lights.
14. There is often no need to buy the highest grade of gasoline.
Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check your owners
manual or consult a mechanic. I have had many tell me that the
more expensive gas is a waste of money.
15. Revving the engine needlessly wastes gas. There is no need to
rev before you turn your vehicle off.
16. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers
to share the cost of commuting to work.
17. Remove ski racks if you are not using them.
18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving
money on gas is always try to purchase vehicles that get good gas
mileage.
About The Author: Fisher Swanson is a Contributing Editor at ThriftyFun.com. Copyright (C) ThriftyFun.com 2000-2003
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