Last week we posted on 2009’s top 10 most green vehicles. That post helps if you’re in the market for a vehicle. But, what if you like your current vehicle or just can’t afford a new one? Here are some tips to make your car or truck more fuel efficient.
According to www.fueleconomy.gov:
- Drive Sensibly. Maintaining a steady speed can lower your fuel cost by 33% on the highway. Rapid acceleration and braking causes you to waste gas. So keep your road rage to a minimum! And, to help you in maintaining a steady speed, remember your cruise control.
- Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage usually decreases at speeds above 60mph and from 60mph to 75mph, your gas mileage decreases by 25%.
- Remove excess weight. Unnecessary items in your car can cost you, especially the larger items. An extra 100 pounds can cost you 2% on your average miles per gallon.
- Keep your car properly tuned. Taking car of your engine can save you up to 4% on gas mileage. Rule of thumb is around 7,500 miles or 6 months for tune ups. Most owners manual, especially for newer models, advise you on when to have your car tuned up.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Under inflated tires can decrease your gas mileage by 3%. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker on the driver’s side door jam, glove box or in the owner’s manual.
- Use the reccommended grade of motor oil. Using the reccommended motor oil can save you 1-2%. Rule of thumb is to change your motor oil every 5,000-7,000 miles for most vehicles.
More information regarding these tips can be found at the Federal Trade Comission.