8 strategies to save money on gas
[ad_1]
Gasoline prices up nearly 50%You may have looked for gas mileage boosting techniques since last year.
You don’t need to spend much money to upgrade to fuel-efficient vehicles. Small changes to your driving habits and maintenance can help reduce gas prices by as little as a quarter of a buck, or even more.
We’ve got eight great tips for you. provided by the U.S. Department of EnergyThis figure includes the estimated fuel savings per gallon. The fuel cost of $3.31/gallon is assumed in all estimates.
Jack Gillis estimates that you can save approximately the same amount as a car loan per month by following these simple tips. The Consumer Federation of America executive director and the author of The Car Book
1. You can accelerate the accelerator and brakes.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that driving speeds over 50 mph can reduce your gas mileage by up to $0.23 per gallon.
Your engine will consume more fuel the harder it works. Gillis says high speed driving and rapid acceleration make an engine work harder and suck up more gasoline.
Not only does it cause rapid acceleration but also causes fuel to be wasted. Coasting downhill to avoid a red light is recommended.
Savings estimates: $0.23–$0.46 per gallon
2. Avoid excessive idling
Modern vehicles come with engines that stop automatically when your vehicle is idle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, starting your vehicle takes only 10 seconds. Waiting at red lights can take anywhere from 45 to 120 seconds.
However, older cars with no start/stop engine have more powerful starters.
If you are parked in a safe place for longer than 10 seconds, you might consider stopping the engine. Idling could cost up to half an hour depending on how big your engine is and what air conditioner you use.
Savings estimates (includes the use of an air conditioner): $0.01–$0.02 per minute
3. You can reduce excess weight by removing it from your vehicle
Many people keep salt and other sand items in their backpacks. Gillis says that it is an old-fashioned way to cope with possible snowstorms.
However, you can lose an additional 100 pounds in your car will improveYour mileage per gallon will increase by approximately 1% based upon the weight of the extra vehicle. The effect is less of a factor with smaller vehicles, according to the U.S Department of Energy.
Savings estimates: $0.03 Per Gallon
4. Do not store cargo in your car
You can increase your vehicle’s wind resistance by attaching cargo containers to its roof or bike tracks to it. Your engine must work harder to maintain speed. According to U.S Department of Energy, aerodynamic drag may increase fuel consumption up to 20% when driving on highways.
According to the Department of Energy, a large cargo box on top of the roof can reduce fuel economy by around 2 to 8% for city driving and 6 to 17% for highway driving. You may need storage. Rear-mounted cargo boxes reduce fuel economy by just 1% to 2% for city driving and 1%–5% for highway driving.
Savings estimates: $0.07–$0.56 per gallon
5. Maintain a good engine condition
According to the Department of Energy, proper maintenance can increase your car’s gas mileage by as much as 4% in the short term. But, your results will vary depending on how clean your car is. A serious problem such as an oxygen sensor failure can increase your gas mileage up to 40%.
You can check your vehicle manual for the recommended frequency of a tune-up. It will be dependent on how old your vehicle is. An inspection should be done every 22,000 to 33,000 miles for older cars. commonly recommended.
Calculated Savings$0.13 per gallon
6. Check that your tires have been properly inflated
You can lose tire pressure with time so check to make sure your tires are properly inflated at least every month. Find out the optimal configuration of your car. PSI ratingYou can check the sticker on the jamb at your driver’s side doors or your manual. It usually falls between the 30-35 PSI and 35 PSI levels.
Tires that are too low in pressure will reduce gas mileage by approximately 0.2% per 1 PSI below their optimal PSI rating. They can also lower tire life expectancy.
Savings estimates:$0.02 per gallon
7. Make sure to use the highest quality motor oil
You should purchase a motor oils that meets the specifications of your vehicle’s manufacturer and other certification requirements. Change your oil as per your carmaker’s recommendation. per Edmunds. This will increase gas mileage by between 1% and 2% according to U.S. Department of Energy.
Look out for the “Energy Conserving”, on the API performance symbol, to ensure it has friction-reducing additives.
Savings estimates: $0.03–$0.07 per gallon
8. Take into account the EPA rating for your next vehicle
[ad_2]