Squeeze more mileage!
You probably don’t need a reminder that gas prices are extremely high right now in Rochester. You also most likely don’t need to know that gas prices will be expected to top $4 this summer. Shall I go on?
But before you go out and buy a brand new bicycle to get you from point A to point B, try looking at some ways to squeeze out more miles from your car. While these tips probably won’t give you an exponentially higher gas mileage, it can save you from frequent trips to the pump.
1. Aggressive driving – If you have a heavy right foot, you may want to reconsider your driving habits because it may be stopping you from saving gas. By aggressive driving, we are talking about mashing the gas pedal whenever you see an open lane, or if you have the tendency to pump the gas pedal frequently in highway traffic. Take the long view of the road instead and adjust your speed accordingly.
2. Weight – I don’t mean yours, but excess weight in the car. Keeping your car clean from unnecessary weight can improve your mileage because it puts less stress on the car.
3. Speed limit – Yeah, remember that thing called a speed limit? Drivers usually see the speed limit and tack on five extra miles per hour. Be a safer and smarter driver and observe the limit that is posted. By lowering your speeds on the highway, you can save gas compared to the drivers around you who are driving at a much faster pace. Sure, they might get to their destination faster, but you will get the last laugh at the pump.
4. Don’t idle your engine – If you are stopping for just a couple of seconds, leave the engine on. But if you’re going nowhere for two minutes or more, you are better off shutting off the car.
5. Cruise control – Cruise control can save you lots of gas because it prevents you from excessive pedal mashing. Studies have shown that cruise control can save a lot of money, but be careful where you use it. If the road you are on has a lot of steep hills and climbs, you should not use cruise control because it will burn more gas trying to maintain the speed.
6. A/C or windows? – Common myths surrounding the A/C and windows debate need to be debunked now. Truth be told, there is no significant gas mileage losses from having the A/C on or the windows down as you’re driving. While it does spend more engine power to get the car moving with the A/C on or windows down, the difference is minimal. So do whatever you feel like.
Hopefully, these tips will prevent you from becoming best friends with the gas station employee. For more information on how to get better mileage, check out:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/driveHabits.shtml
