With holidays approaching, more vehicles are on the road, consuming more gasoline and driving on longer trips. In the USA Today article “Holiday Weekend to see Spike in Motorists”, authors Andrea Stone and Paul Overberg note that a hike in holiday travel is projected for Labor Day.
Gas consumption is also on the increase due to driving for sports and other activities, such as soccer, now that schools are back in session. These tips from the United States government’s Fuel Economy website will help drivers reduce their fuel consumption, whether running local errands or taking that much needed vacation.
Drive More Efficiently – Fuel Consumption Tip #1
The aggressiveness in which a person drives can seriously compromise fuel efficiency. Intense acceleration and forceful braking can decrease gas mileage by a third on the highway and as much as five percent on local trips. Smoothing out take-offs and slowing up gently can greatly help fuel consumption.
Fuel consumption begins to increase between seven and 23 percent over 60 mpg on most vehicles. According to Fuel Economy, the cost per gallon of gas can increase as much as .24 cents per gallon for every five miles over 60 mpg.
If buying two bags of dog food, at 50 pounds each, is necessary, remove the bags immediately upon returning home. For every 100 pounds of excess weight in the vehicle, the mpg can be reduced by up to two percent.
Try to avoid idling, use cruise control when possible, and use the overdrive gear to help save gas and reduce wear on the engine.
Keeping a Car in Shape – Fuel Consumption Tip #2
Regular tune-ups can increase fuel conservation by up to four percent. Fuel Economy states that if something major is wrong and fixed in a tune-up, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, fuel efficiency can increase by as much as 40 percent.
Many gas stations have a pump where tires can be inflated for free or for pocket change. Check the vehicle’s owner manual for the optimal tire inflation level, and keep them there. This can increase gas mileage by around three percent.
Check the owner’s manual for the proper motor oil for the vehicle, as well. Using the wrong type of motor oil can put a damper on mpg, up to 2 percent.
Planning and Combining Trips – Fuel Consumption Tip #3
“[Drivers have] cut back through ride-sharing, online shopping and consolidating errands,” stated Stone and Overberg. Write a list of errands, and get them all done in one trip. Shop locally if possible and car pool for longer trips.
Fuel Economy also recommends avoiding traveling during peak travel times if possible, and finding out about ride share programs in the area. Taking public transportation, if available, can reduce the amount of personal vehicle traveling as well.
Placing items in a trunk, rather than on a roof rack, when possible, will reduce friction caused by the change in the aerodynamic layout of most vehicles when items are placed on top of the vehicle.
Choosing a More Fuel Efficient Vehicle
Although not an option for everyone,Fuel Economy’s website has a guide for people looking to upgrade to a more fuel efficient car. No matter what vehicle is driven, making sensible decisions to increase fuel economy not only helps the environment but also encourages consumers to stay on a budget that is easier to maintain.
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