Folks as we approach the Christmas season, many of us will be preparing feverishly to travel out of town to spend the festivity with our extended families in the country side. As always, I have prepared a few Fuel Saving Tips which could go a long way to ensuring that we drive safely and also save fuel on the mileage at the same time. Please read on and apply these tips and see for yourself what gains you would make in addition to your well deserved and planned Christmas with the family!
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes fuel. It can lower your fuel mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than fuel money as we approach the Yulitude.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 5–33% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.17–$1.11/gallon
Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 80 Km/h. You can assume that each 5 Km/h you drive over 80 Km/h is like paying an additional $0.27 per gallon for fuel. Observing the speed limit is also safer and will protect lives on our roads as we approach the Yulitude.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 7–23% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.24–$0.78/gallon
Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 kilos or pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1–2%/100 lbs Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.03–$0.07/gallon
Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked for a few minutes. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle. Also remember that turning your engine on and off excessively especially when in traffic, however, may increase starter wear.
Fuel Cost Savings: $0.01–$0.02/min. (AC off). $0.02–$0.03/min. (AC on)
Use Cruise Control
Using Cruise Control (equipped in most American vehicles) on the motorway or highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save fuel on your trip to your hometown for Christmas.
Use Overdrive Gears
When you use Overdrive gearing (for automatic vehicles), your car's engine speed goes down. This saves fuel and reduces engine wear.
To be Continued ...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
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