Doris Dobkins, our expert money columnist, is the publisher of a
FREE weekly newsletter called $MART Money New$. To subscribe, send email
to: news@creativefinances.com
or check out the Creative Finances web site at
www.creativefinances.com. It's
full of great money saving tips and financial strategies.
What kind of gas mileage do you get with your vehicle? Did you know
that there are a few simple things that you can do to increase your fuel
mileage? Each one may only give you a little improvement but if you do all
of them, you can increase your gas savings significantly - maybe by even
as much as $500 a year.
So here they are!
* The first thing you should do is watch your speed. Your traveling
speed has a large affect on your fuel consumption. "Traveling at 65 mph (105kph)
instead of 55 mph (88kps) can use up to 17% more fuel."
* Use cruise control whenever you can, especially on highways. By
maintaining a steady speed, you will improve your gas mileage.
* Check your tires on a regular basis and keep them properly inflated.
If they under-inflated, it can shorten the life of your tires as well as
reduce your mileage (up to 4% for every 5 pounds it is under-inflated). Be
careful not to over inflate your tires where you will get premature and uneven
tire wear and have to replace them much sooner.
* Clean out your back seat and trunk by removing unnecessary items
from the car. All the extra weight reduces your mileage.
* Do you ever stop for more than 60 seconds while your engine is
idling? If so, turn it off. It takes more fuel to idle longer than a minute
than for you to start your car.
* The next time you are in the market for tires, consider radial
tires. They can cut your fuel bill by 2-3%.
* Use your air conditioner as sparingly as possible, because your
engine uses extra energy to power the air conditioner compressor. Fuel
consumption can be increased by up to 10% on the highway and up to 15% in
the city when you don't use your air conditioner.
* Also, avoid driving with an open sunroof or windows at highway
speeds because it increases aerodynamic drag and uses additional fuel. It
is best to use your air vents to provide fresh air inside the car.
* Have you checked your filters and catalytic converters recently?
They should be kept clean. Dirty filters increase fuel consumption by as
much as 10%.
* Use premium multi-grade oils to save on your fuel consumption
and be sure to change your oil every 3,000 miles.
*** So, for the sake of the environment AND your pocket book, take
a moment to assess your vehicle for optimum gas mileage.
About the Author: Doris Dobkins is a money saving expert
and the publisher of a FREE weekly newsletter called $MART Money New$. To
subscribe, send email to:
news@creativefinances.com
or check out the Creative Finances web site at
http://www.creativefinances.com.
It's full of great money saving tips and financial strategies. |
