Save On Gasoline Consumption

As we all know by driving by the pumps the price of gas is increasing almost on a daily basis. Who knows what the price will be come summer when the rules of supply and demand occur. With the increase in prices also comes discussions on how to conserve. None of us can control how much we pay per gallon, but there are ways to conserve how much we use. Here are some helpful tips to increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions to become a greener environment.

• Check your tire pressure frequently to be sure they have proper pressure. (See cars owner manual for correct pressure). You could actual save $.11 per gallon.
• Check your fluids and air filter to make sure its not clogged. The better the air flow is to the engine the smoother it will run. This will save you on fuel and increase performance.
• Get a tune up. Use a automobile mechanic you can trust to do a good job. Make sure it would pass emission test and that oxygen sensor is working properly. A faulty oxygen senor will greatly reduce your gas mileage.
• Avoid carrying excess weight. Clean out your trunk or bed of pickup removing any thing that is not needed. On average you will lose up to 2% fuel efficiency for every 100 extra pounds.
• Drive at a slower steady pace. Studies show that for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph you will be paying an extra $.24 per gallon. If your car is equipped with cruise control use it on highways to maintain a steady speed.
• Maintain a safe following distance when on the highway. It's not only safer but will reduce braking and re-acceleration. Aggressive divers could reduce their gas mileage by 33%.
• Avoid letting your vehical idle. This just wastes gas and pollutes the environment. If you idled your car in the garage it would probably kill you, so you know it can't be good. Try to keep your idling time under a minute or shut the engine off.
• Know when to use your air conditioning. Air conditioning can greatly increase fuel consumption. You should never run A/C with windows open. In city driving turning off A/C and rolling windows down will save you gas, but doesn't hold true for highway driving. At speeds in excess of 55 mph rolling down window creates drag and will use more gas than using A/C with windows up.
• Select the correct grade of gasoline your your vehicle. Check your owners manual to find correct octane needed. Paying for higher octane will not improve gas mileage. If your engines not knocking you will be just wasting money.
• When getting gas be sure gas cap is securely tighten. This will eliminate evaporation caused by a loose one. If cap is defective replace it with new one.
• Use the most efficient vehicle for your trip. Some have more than one vehicle that could be used for errands, trips, or back and forth to work. Choose the one with the best gas mileage. For example, If you have to drive 30 miles to work, and your spouse travels 5 miles, you should use the one that gets the better gas mileage.
• Combine your trips. combining multiple errands to one trip will save you money on gas and time.
• Get card memberships that offer discounted gas prices.
• Don't get stuck on buying from certain brand names for gas. Gas is gas. They all use the same. Price is king, buy the cheapest.
• Walk or take a bike. This is a good idea for short trips. Burn calories not gas. Its better for you and the environment.
• If your able Carpool or try public transportation. 

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