“Tips to Conserve Fuel”
With the price of gasoline and the environmental effects of combustion engines, fuel economy is a hot topic of conversation. Recently in a blog, we covered how to refuel a vehicle. In today's blog, we will look at 10 tips to conserve the precious fuel we put into our cars.
Drive Smoothly: Accelerating smoothly and sensibly without smashing down on the accelerator will help preserve fuel economy. Rapid acceleration uses more gasoline and is harder on your vehicle. Driving at a constant speed is also better for your fuel economy. If you feel yourself closing the distance on the car in front of you, release the gas pedal and coast until the car either speeds up or it is necessary to break.
Drive the speed limit: Cars have different optimal speeds for fuel economy, but they are generally around 50-55 miles an hour. As you increase speeds, your fuel economy lowers. Driving the speed limit also makes driving safer and eliminates the risk of receiving speeding tickets.
Limit weight in the vehicle: The more weight in the car the more the engine has to work to accelerate and decelerate. Something light may only have a marginal difference, but avoid using your car as a storage locker or consistently moving heavy objects that are not needed on a daily basis.
Use the proper fuel: Your vehicle has been engineered to run on a certain type of fuel. It is recommended to use the fuel that the manufacturer recommends. A higher octane fuel in your vehicle will not increase your fuel economy unless your vehicle calls for the higher octane fuel.
Reduce aerodynamic hindrances: Cargo carriers and other things that attach to the outside of your vehicle negatively affect fuel economy. Most vehicles are engineered to cut through the air. Some vehicles do it better than others, but most are designed to help with fuel economy. Opening windows will affect your aerodynamics. It is recommended to have your windows up, but the fuel you may use in AC may even out. At low speeds opening the windows may be better at at high speeds having the windows closed, but it is more a personal preference.
Avoid idling: Idling uses fuel. Sometimes idling is unavoidable like at stop lights. This is why some cars turn off when stopped for too long. When possible, turn the vehicle off to preserve fuel.
Plan your routes: When driving to multiple locations, plan your route to achieve them all most efficiently. This will normally save time, and it will also save unnecessary travel.
Perform regular tune-ups: Having your vehicle in tip-top shape will save gasoline. When things are not running properly they may require the engine to work harder and use more fuel.
Keep the tires inflated: Having properly inflated tires allows the vehicle to travel with limited friction. This conservation of energy means the less your engine has to work. Having your tires properly inflated keeps you safe and can prevent damage to your tires.
Ride a bike: Riding a bike or walking to where you need to go rather than driving uses no fuel. It is also a good form of exercise. This may be impossible or highly impractical for some of the places you drive, but for others, it may be a good alternative to save money, protect the environment, and increase your health.
Fossil fuel is a natural resource that is highly dependent on and ever-depleting from our world. Car fuel is a necessary resource at this time. To help decrease the overall negative global effects and increase the amount of money in your pocket, it would be recommended to drive in a way that is fuel economic.
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