Save at the Pump--and Help the Planet
Greentips: October 2004
With the cost of gasoline hovering near all-time highs, many consumers are becoming more conscious of their vehicle’s fuel economy. Fuel-efficient vehicles save money, lower heat-trapping and smog-forming emissions, and reduce our dependence on oil imports.
Here are some ways to help your car go farther on a gallon of gas:
Vehicle Maintenance
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Change your oil, spark plugs, and air filter regularly. And go to a repair shop if your “Check Engine” light comes on—a faulty oxygen sensor could be the cause, lowering your mileage significantly.
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Keep your tires properly inflated and consider replacing worn tires with low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. LRR tires roll more easily on the road, maximizing the amount of energy available to move the car forward. Green Seal (see the link below) provides a list of LRR tire manufacturers.
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Use the grade of motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Motor oil that bears the American Petroleum Institute’s “Energy Conserving” performance label contains friction-reducing additives.
Efficient Driving
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Avoid idling. If you have to sit in your car for more than one minute, shut off the engine. In cold weather, let the car run for 30 seconds and drive slowly until the engine is warm.
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Drive smoothly. Slow and even acceleration and braking can improve gas mileage.
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Reduce your speed. Driving at posted speed limits saves fuel and lives. Use cruise control to maintain your speed.
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Limit air conditioning, which consumes fuel. At lower speeds, open the windows or sunroof to stay cool. At higher speeds, use the car’s fan instead (open windows create drag that reduces mileage).
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Park in the shade. This minimizes fuel evaporation and helps keep your car cool in summer months.
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Be weight conscious. Put heavy items in the trunk instead of on a roof rack, which creates drag. And don’t carry around items you don’t need; for every 100 pounds of weight in your car, fuel economy decreases by one to two percent.
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Use overdrive if you have it. Once you reach the speed recommended in your owner’s manual, overdrive will lower engine speed and reduce fuel consumption.
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Track your average mileage and have your car checked if the average decreases. To calculate your mileage, note the odometer reading and number of gallons purchased each time you fill up. Divide the number of miles traveled between fill-ups by the number of gallons purchased.
