« DOGS GETTING SMARTER
|
Main
| Season for Anger Management
»
December 10, 2005
Need More Gas Mileage?
We're all feeling the pinch with high fuel prices, but there is something we can do to fight back. Here's 10 good tips how you can reduce your vehicle's operating costs by as much as 35%. That's like paying $1.50 a gallon instead of $2.30, sound good?
1. All your engine's air is sucked through an air filter. If the filter element is dirty the flow of clean air is impeded, making your engine work harder. A dirty filter is the most common cause of bad mileage, thus it's number 1 on my list of tips! Most filters can be replaced for less than $10.
A high performance filter allows clean air to flow into your engine with less resistance, thus improving mileage. One of the most popular high flow filters on the market is the K&N filter which sells for around $40, but it's a lifetime filter, you need only wash it out with soap and water periodically to maintain it's performance.
2. Properly inflate your tires, typically this is anywhere from 28-35 lbs, but it depends on the tire. The suggested tire pressure is printed on the side wall.
I like to run about 3-5 lbs. more pressure than the advertised range because this reduces the sidewall flex, it corners slightly better and it makes the tires roll with less resistance while not noticeably reducing your tire mileage and this definitely adds to your fuel economy! If you want to try this, check with your tire dealer first and see what he says.
3. When starting from a stop, let your vehicle roll forward slightly before applying the gas, then accelerate slowly and smoothly. Try this exercise to see if you are accelerating properly, but don't do it in traffic, please! Hang a tea bag from your rear view mirror with a 12-15" string. Now practice accelerating without noticeably jerking the teabag more than a few inches off center.
4. For those determined to drive even more efficiently, I suggest using a vacuum gauge. The gauge will usually have a "green" zone that shows you are driving with the optimum peddle pressure for your vehicle. A vacuum gauge costs about $15 and can be self installed with a minimum of mechanical experience or a shop can do it for about $45-$65. It's a good investment if you are really serious about your mileage!
5. On the other end of the spectrum from a clean, free flowing air filter is a free flowing exhaust system. Obviously, a car without any mufflers will be the most free flowing and efficient, but for all practical purposes we can't do that! However, low back pressure mufflers can greatly help improve mileage. In most cases you will have to consult a muffler shop for this and it could cost you around $100 for a single muffler, but it will help definitely your mileage.
While you are under there, don't forget about the "catalytic converter." This looks like a small muffler, but in fact it is part of your cars emission control system. The catalytic converter can begin to fail early on poorly tuned cars almost anytime or they can begin to fail at about 90,000 miles on up. Gas mileage and performance can be severely impacted if your catalytic converter becomes clogged! Check with a certified smog shop if you suspect this might be a problem.
6. Don't waste your money on buying premium fuel if your car manufacturer doesn't call for it. It is a myth that your car will run better and last longer if you burn premium gas. However, using a premium motor oil is a good thing and its money well spent. Just make sure it is the right grade. Oil grades may vary according to type of driving and climate, consult a professional for what works best for your driving and yes, using the right oil can improve your gas mileage because your engine is running more efficiently with less drag.
7. Use your cruise control at highway speed. Generally, if you run just 5 mph. under the posted limit you are not going to noticeably add to your trip time, but you can increase fuel economy as much as 3-5 mpg! For every 5 mph above 60 mph, it's like paying an additional 17 cents per gallon, because your vehicle's mileage is falling off. Note: In California if 5 or more vehicles collect behind you, you must yield or you could be cited regardless of your speed.
8. Make sure your vehicle is properly tuned!
9. Keep windows rolled up at highway speed, this reduces drag. At slower speeds turn off the AC and roll down windows instead. Using the AC tends to reduce mileage by 2-3 mpg.
10. Avoid excessive idling at the drive up windows. Turn it off and go inside instead. Also, instead of starting up your vehicle for a very short errand, try walking. Short hauls are the hardest on your engine and walking is good for you, but you know that.
For more information may I suggest the following sites....
http://www.knfilters.com/
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/103164/article.html
http://www.sdt.com.au/FUELECONOMY.htm
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/9912scc_ssbbpart2/
Posted by Post Scripts at December 10, 2005 05:15 PM
Comments
Hi Jack & Tina
I don't know if this message will reach you, as your Blog is showing a date of December 9th 2005, over two and a half years ago! I don't know if you're still out there in cyberspace, but here's hoping!
To introduce myself, as you can see above, my name's Ian McKay; and, I'm from Liverpool, in the UK, and the reason for me contacting you is as follows.
I am a 69 year old man who's building his first website; and, when researching my content, I stumbled across the cute picture of your dog, Hub, with the E=mc2 "Thought bubble" over his head, and I'd like to include his picture in my site. May I have your permission to do so?
Best regards
Ian
Posted by: Ian McKay at August 6, 2007 01:11 PM