Get any fountain drink, any size, for only 79 cents or Bruno's
regular coffee for only 89 cents at your neighborhood Starfire store.The surest way you can improve your fuel
cost problem is to change your driving habits. Listed below are effective methods
that will save you money on gas!
1.
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.
2. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for
one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the
engine.
3. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch
the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly.
4. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting
from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total
foot travel.
5. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late
evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in
mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel
concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".
6. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands
provide you with greater economy because of better quality.
7 Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing
over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of
fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
8. Slow down!
Traveling at 55 mph gives you up to 21% better mileage when compared
to speeds of 65 mph and 70 mph.
9. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic
transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second
early. If you have a manual transmission, switch gears! Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more
fuel than is needed.
10. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open
windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
11. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also
avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not
only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down
unexpectedly.
12.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it
before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.
13. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob
you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
14. Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and
bottlenecks.
15. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By
traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances
of having the "green light" all the way.
16. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for
recommended maintenance intervals. Tuning your engine can increase
gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Special attention should be given
to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases
gas waste.
17. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional
misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc.
create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
18. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep
tire tread really robs fuel!
19. Keep tires properly inflated at all times. (Check pressure when
cold). Each tire should be
periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round.
Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's
specifications for maximum tire pressures.
20. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%.
Use air conditioning only when necessary. Try opening the window
when traveling at slower speeds!
21. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car. Extra weight reduces mileage,
especially when driving up inclines.
22. Consider car-pooling and share the gas bill and ride. Car pools
reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help
you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also
reduces traffic congestion.
23. Before
getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"!
24. On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.
25. Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in
one trip.
26. When bargain hunting, listen to radio ads or check newspaper ads and use your
telephone.
27. Do they deliver? Let them pay for the gas!
28. Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a
week.
29. Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school,
too.
30. Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling
alone.
31. Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to
carry.
32. Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline
prices.
33. Better planning reduces the need for speeding (which take more
gas) to get there in
time.
34. If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle your car.
The engine is more fuel efficient if your turn it off and restart
it.
35. Drive evenly with a steady foot. Avoid jiggling the accelerator.
36. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts. When starting, press accelerator
slowly.
37. Avoid panic stops. When possible, coast to stops such as traffic
lights.
38. Remove items that cause wind resistance, such as luggage racks.
39. Never rev engine before killing it. This wastes gas, wears out
cylinders.
40. Keep tuned to radio traffic reports & avoid traffic jams, other
delays.
41. Make certain your gas cap fits properly.
42. Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.
43. Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking. That way
you can't accidentally ride the brake and use excessive gas.
44. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic
transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second
early.
45. Pass other cars as soon as you see you are overtaking them.
Don't wait.
46. Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.
47. Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes increases
resistance.
48. Operate as small a car as possible for your driving needs.
(Small cars weighing half as much as large cars use about half as
much gasoline!)
49. Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air conditioning;
power equipment such as window, door locks, etc.; automatic
transmission, etc.
50. In hot climates, drive a car with light colored exterior and
interior, to reflect light, heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat
buildup.
51. When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!
52. 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.
53. Keep wheels aligned for better mileage - Longer tire life, too.
54. Record all gas purchases for tax deduction purposes.
55. Stay away from gas-savings
gadgets. Be skeptical about any gadget promising to improve your
mileage. The Environmental Protection Agency has tested more than
100 such devices -- including "mixture enhancers" and fuel line
magnets -- and found that very few provided any benefits. Those that
did work provided only a slight improvement. Some can even damage
your engine.
56. Use overdrive and cruise control.
They improve fuel economy when you're driving on the highway.
56. Change your oil. Clean oil
reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes
harmful substances from the engine. Motor oil that says "Energy
Conserving" on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum
Institute contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel
economy.
57. Don't fill up unless you are on
empty, since all this gas weighs a lot.
