Skip to main content

The Secrets of Better Gas Mileage

By Mike McDonough

Don't you get sick of having to stop and top off your tank every couple of days just because of your morning commute? Today's hybrids are saving people big bucks at the gas pump by all but doubling their gas mileage, but for those of us still driving around depending on fossil fuels the expense is a little bit higher. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that anyone can use to improve their gas mileage-no matter what type of car they're driving.



First and foremost, think of your car like an athlete. When an athlete's in good shape and their body is able to function at its peak they're going to be able to accomplish their usual daily tasks while expending a minimum of energy. If you want your car to operate with that same efficiency you're going to have to make sure you keep it in good working order. Regular tune-ups and oil changes, clean air filters and properly inflated tires will go a long way toward paving the road toward better gas mileage.



Secondly, take a look at your driving habits. Do you tend to drive too quickly? Let your car idle in your driveway while you run back inside for your cell phone? Spend too much time in rush hour traffic? Your driving habits have more of an impact on your gas mileage than you might think!



The secret to better gas mileage when you're on the road is to slow down and try to drive at a continuous speed. It takes more energy to speed up and slow down than it does to maintain a steady pace, which means you're wasting gas every time you get caught in stop and go traffic. Driving over 55 mph will also burn through your gas supply more quickly, and idling wastes gas that you could be putting to better use someplace else.



Whenever possible, avoid the temptation to take advantage of the climate control in your car. Running your air conditioner uses more gas than driving with the windows down (as you're undoubtedly aware if you live in the south where summer starts in April and burns straight through to September), and leaving your car idling while waiting for the heater to warm up the inside or the AC to cool things down before you get on the road puts a dent in your tank without ever setting a single tire on the road.



Finally, consider making your next car a hybrid. Yes, you can get better gas mileage using the techniques described above, but you may never come close to the mileage offered by a hybrid through its blend of electric and gas powered energy. (The Toyota Prius has been known to get more than 40 miles to the gallon on occasion.) While the initial investment in these cars is higher than the cost to buy a regular, fossil fuel powered vehicle you'll more than recover your investment when you consider what you're going to save in the long term at the gas pump.



About the Author: Mike McDonough is a National Account Executive for QuoteScout.com. For more information on how to enjoy http://www.quotescout.com/insurance-articles/car-insurance/Easy-Ways-for-San-Diego-Drivers-to-Save-Money-on-Gas-147.shtml, visit them on the web at http://www.QuoteScout.com.



Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=379105&ca=Automotive

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Buy a Used or Pre-Owned Auto ?

By Steamboat L. Salter Buying a used car? Is it a good or bad idea? Some people will tell you that purchasing a pre-owned automobile you are purchasing some one else’s problem. A lemon perhaps. On the other hand – or other side of the highway and byway - many careful and thorough shoppers will point at that no matter what research you do – that the minute you drive your new car , truck or S.U.V. off the auto dealers lot you are now the owner of a “used car “ or “pre-owned auto”. Every one it seem , that is who is a vehicle owner or enthusiast , is after all driving “used” or “pre-owned” automotive products. What many if not most purchasers of new vehicles often do not take into account is that the very moment that car, is plated , insured and hits pavement outside of the seller , broker or trader’s lot that new vehicle depreciates in the range of 30 %. Of its total initial value that the customer paid - whether it be cash, credit or auto financing. After all simply put someone has to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Drive Your Dream Car At Low Cost On Taking Car Purchase Loan

By Eva Baldwyn Buying a car is no more considered a distant dream. There are number of loan providers who are willing to finance a car purchase. The borrower however should take extra caution in availing a loan in order to avail a low cost loan. Car Purchase Loan is especially designed for a low cost purchase of your car. You can buy a new model car or used one through the loan. To take car purchase loan, borrowers are required to secure the loan as lot of loan amount is at stake. Lenders may ask for borrower’s any property like home or even the car to be purchased, as collateral. On the basis of collateral, lenders will offer the necessary loan amount for a car purchase at lower interest rate. Car purchase loan is generally short term loan offered for 36 to 72 months. When deciding over the repayment term do not forget that larger the loan repayment duration, more interest you will be paying. So you may benefit more in terms of interest rate payment if the loan is cleared in shorter p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nada Used Car Prices, Edmunds Used Car Prices, And Kelly Blue Book Used Car Prices – Whose Prices Are Right?

By Theodore Olson The Internet has been touted as the greatest resource for the used car buyer. Prospective buyers can find trade-in, private party, and retail values in a heartbeat. The question to consider, however, is what Internet source is right? The three major sites: NADA, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book are clamoring to be the Trusted Authority on used car values. Yet price discrepancies are frequently in the $1000’s from site to site. Which web site, if any, is the most accurate source for the used car buyer? To illustrate the discrepancies, here’s an everyday example: NADA may retail a 2003 SAAB 9-5 Linear at $15,996, Kelly Blue Book prices it at $17,456, and Edmunds prices it at $14,800. These are all retail values, assuming excellent or clean condition. $17,456 minus $14,800 is a $2,656 difference. That’s a huge price difference in the highly competitive used car market. The retail values placed on many vehicles by these web sites can have even larger price differences - some ...
Post a Comment
Read more