Tips
for Improving Gas Mileage and Fuel Economy
ENGINE WARM-UP
1.
Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings
- 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
2.
Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine
warm up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air
mixture.
3.
Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine
for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when
you start the engine.
4.
Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before
you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly
and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing
to loss of oil pressure.
5.
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. This allows carburetor to function
at peak efficiency.
HOW
TO BUY GASOLINE
6.
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".
7.
Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Don't use
premium fuel if your car does not require it (check your
owner's manual); using it is an unnecessary expense.
8.
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.
HOW
TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
9.
Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous
wind resistance.
10.
Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set
for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency
also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better
mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of
65 mph and 70 mph.
11.
Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to
45% more fuel than is needed.
12.
Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest
gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas
if you "nurse it along". However, if you cause
the engine to "bog down", premature wearing
of engine parts occurs.
13.
Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds.
Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by
10%.
14.
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.
15.Think
ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it
before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.
GENERAL
ADVICE
16.
Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving.
The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag"
on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging"
also demands additional fuel usage.
17.
Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel
rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
18.
Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare
traveling distance differences - remember that corners,
curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest
distance between two points is always straight.
19.
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.
20.
Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down
when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad
crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral
position. This reduces transmission strain and allows
transmission to cool.
21.
For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the
windows and turn on the A/C when driving on the freeway.
22.
Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual
for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention
should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished
air flow increases gas waste.
23.
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.
24.
Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling
on deep tire tread really robs fuel!
25.
Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be
periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round.
When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires
for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers;
check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.
26.
Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces
disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body.
Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof
helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).
27.
Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to
20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine
load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per
gallon.
28.
Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra
tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight
reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
29.
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,
gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady
speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger
weight evenly throughout car.
30.
During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame.
Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow
and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown
on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.
