So, the cost of gas is going up and your paycheck isn’t. This is something that we’re all dealing with but there are ways to stretch that tank as far as possible. You might have heard about hydrogen generators, wind tunnels, and hypermiling. Those are all pipe-dream attempts at increased fuel economy and, too often, an attempt to take a little bit of money out of your pocketbook. We have seen the hydrogen generators produce hydrogen but, we’ve never actually seen one in use, increasing fuel economy.
“Although [GM] vehicles are engineered with efficient, fuel-saving technologies, it still takes maintenance to ensure your vehicle performs as efficiently as it did when it left the factory,” said Roger Clark, General Motors Energy Center senior manager. “Drivers can improve their own fuel economy for free by making some very minor behavior changes.”
The following are sure-fire ways to increase your gas mileage. We promise.
Get a tune up – According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a properly tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4 percent. If there is a serious issue present, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, then the impact on fuel economy could be as high as 40 percent.
Take a load off – Many people drive around with several pounds of unneeded cargo. This cargo makes your vehicle work harder and, as a result, it burns more fuel. An extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by 2 percent, according to the EPA. A loaded roof rack is even worse on fuel economy. That additional weight, when combined with the additional wind resistance, can reduce economy by up to 5 percent.
Feel the pressure – Improperly inflated tires are a big cause of decreased fuel economy. Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. This impact can be measured at approximately .3 mpg per pound underinflated. Also, properly inflated tires will last longer, hold the road better, and be safer for you and your passengers.
Take your foot off the skinny pedal – Maximum fuel economy for each vehicle varies but, in most vehicles, it decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour, according to the EPA. They tell us that every 5 mph over 60 sucks more and more gas to cover the same distance. You’ll get there quicker, unless you run out of gas on the way.
Shut ‘er down – That time that you spend in the drive-through waiting for your burger is time that your car is getting 0 mph. Those 15 minutes or so can end up doubling the price of your meal. Do yourself a favor and walk inside to get your food.
Be Zen behind the wheel – Aggressive driving, speedy acceleration, hard braking, and frequent lane changes can decrease fuel economy by up to 1/3 on the highway and 5 percent in the city. Also, if your vehicle has overdrive, use it. That extra gear will decrease engine speed, thus saving fuel and engine wear.
Get some fresh air – When you’re driving in town, at lower speeds, it’s best to roll the windows down rather than use the air conditioning. Under these conditions, the A/C can reduce fuel economy by up to 10 percent. Above 45 mph the wind resistance caused by the open windows will decrease fuel economy and actually cost more than not using the A/C. The popular Discovery Channel show “Mythbusters” tested this and found it to be true.
Plan a route – Driving around town all willy-nilly running errands is definitely a fuel burner. Before leaving the house, map out your stops so that you can take the most direct route around town. Also, it’s best to plan your errands around city traffic so that you can avoid traffic jams and 0 mpg times.
Check your cap – The fuel cap is an important and often overlooked part of the fuel economy equation. A poorly fitting gas cap can allow fuel system pressure to be out of balance, trigger a check engine light and, most importantly, decrease fuel economy. According to the EPA, loosely fitting fuel caps allow 147 million gallons of fuel to escape into the atmosphere – unburned – every year.
There you have it; nine ways to increase your fuel economy, for free. Perhaps you’ve already been doing these things, or some of them. If so, good job! If not, get crackin’.
Do you have any more fuel saving tips? Feel free to share them in the comments section.
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