Watch Your Fuel Efficiency

Your driving style can have a significant impact on the amount of gasoline you use. Remember the following when driving.

Spark plugs must be in good condition. Some will last for 100,000 miles, but many need to be replaced more often. Check the air filter twice a year, or more often in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter increases fuel consumption and can cause poor performance. Inflate tires according to the recommendation in the owners manual or as shown on a label attached to the drivers’ door pillar. Under inflated tires are a safety hazard and can cut fuel economy by as much as 2% per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Maintain steady speeds for the best fuel economy. A car uses extra fuel when it accelerates. Try to minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be alert for slow downs and red lights. Travel at moderate speeds on the open road. Higher speeds require more gasoline use to overcome air resistance. Remember however, speeds slower than the flow of traffic can create a traffic hazard. Use the air conditioner only when needed. Air conditioning dramatically reduces furl economy. Most air conditioners have an “economy” setting that allows the circulation of unchilled air. Many also have a “maximum” or “recirculation” setting that reduces the amount of hot outside air that must be chilled. Both settings can reduce the air conditioning load, and save gas. Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive may use more gasoline than other vehicles, especially if the four-wheel system is engaged during retune driving. A vehicle with an automatic transmission may use more gasoline than one with a manual transmission. Maintain steady speeds for the best fuel economy. A car uses more fuel when it accelerates.