by SanDiegoBizMart.com |
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Simple & logical
tips from a professional that you are probably already aware of. But this 40-tip
list serves as a reminder of those things you do have control over to cut gasoline
expenses. |
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- Before getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"
- On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.
- Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and bottlenecks.
- Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in one trip.
- If possible, avoid driving during rush-hour & other peak traffic periods.
- Shopping: Do they deliver? Try mail order & online shopping.
- Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a week.
- Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school, too.
- Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling alone. Consider car
pooling.
- Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to carry.
- Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.
- Don't speed. Cars can get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph than at 70 mph.
- Better planning reduces the need for speeding, to get there in time.
- When starting your car, don't idle it for more than 30 seconds, even in cold weather.
Today's cars are designed to be driven almost immediately.
- If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle your car. The engine is more fuel
efficient if you turn it off and restart it.
- Drive evenly with a steady foot.
- Keep tires properly inflated at all times (Check tire pressure when cold).
- Use air conditioning only when necessary Try opening the window.
- Avoid "jackrabbit" starts. When starting, press accelerator slowly.
- Avoid "panic stops." When possible, coast to stops such as at traffic lights.
- Remove items that cause wind resistance, such as luggage racks.
- Be sure to fully release the emergency brake before pulling away.
- Never rev the engine before killing it. This wastes gas, and wears out cylinders.
- Keep tuned to radio traffic reports & avoid traffic jams & other delays.
- Make certain your gas cap fits properly.
- Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.
- Do not "ride" the brake (resting a foot on the brake pedal) while driving.
Uses excessive gas & wears out the brakes.
- Shift into high gear as soon as possible if manual transmission. If you have automatic
transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.
- Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.
- Keep brakes properly adjust Dragging brakes increases resistance.
- Operate as small a car as possible for your driving needs.
- Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air conditioning; power equipment such as
window, door locks, etc.; automatic transmission, etc.
- In hot climates, drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to reflect light,
heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat buildup.
- Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.
- When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!
- Keep your steering wheel still too. The more you weave back and forth, the farther your
car has to travel and the more gas is consumed.
- Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill in heat or on a hill.
- Use snow tires and/or chains as little as necessary because they make your car work
harder and use more gasoline.
- When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed
on the slope. Accelerating ON the hill uses much more fuel. Then coast down the other
side.
- Keep wheels aligned for better mileage and longer tire life, too.
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