The surest way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to
change your motoring habits. Listed below under four categories
are 30 effective methods of doing so... no need to buy expensive
add-on equipment.
ENGINE WARM-UP
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings -
30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm
up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.
3. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine
for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you
start the engine.
4. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch
the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down
from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
5. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting
from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total
foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak
efficiency.
HOW TO BUY GASOLINE
6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or
late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest.
Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not
densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to
"volume of measurement".
7. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands
provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use
the brands which "seem" most beneficial.
8. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in
sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the
first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind
resistance.
10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for
your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also
occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage
when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45%
more fuel than is needed.
12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear
as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse
it along". However, if you cause the engine to "bog down",
premature wearing of engine parts occurs.
13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open
windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel.
Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is
unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your
economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.
15.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it
before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.
GENERAL ADVICE
16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving.
The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components,
wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands
additional fuel usage.
17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel
rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare
traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves
and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance
between two points is always straight.
19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By
traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your
chances of having the "green light" all the way.
20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when
your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings,
long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This
reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward
gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual
for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should
be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow
increases gas waste.
23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional
misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs,
etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
24. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on
deep tire tred really robs fuel!
25. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be
periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When
shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear
wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check
manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.
26. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces
disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in
mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb
smooth air flow (and mileage).
27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%.
Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the
more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.
28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra
tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces
mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
29. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all
riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the
driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the
driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed"
economy. For best resutls, distribute passenger weight evenly
throughout car.
30. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame.
Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and
ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or
hosed on) will eliminate it fast.
EXTRA TIPS
Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)...
Use graphite motor oil... Beware of oil additives, regardless of
advertising claims... Add Marvel Mystery Oil into gas
fill-ups... Investigate fuel/water injection methods and
products... combine short errands into one trip... Use special
gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines... convert
your V8 engine over to a V4 - no special kits needed!!!
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