With the increase in gas prices over the last several years, fuel economy has become one of the most important factors for our cars today. Car makers across the globe are hard at work developing sleeker and more efficient engines that can take us farther. Maximizing fuel economy is not just about a vehicle's engine however; its driver also has a responsibility to drive sensibly. To help you get the most out of your vehicle's tank, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind.
Most importantly, avoid aggressive driving. By speeding, making sudden maneuvers, and accelerating and braking quickly, you will put increased stress on your engine, forcing it to work much harder and use more fuel. Though largely dependent on your engine type, aggressive driving can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 33%. Braking and accelerating gradually will allow your engine to smoo thly increase or decrease its pace, limiting excess work. Along with the harm done to fuel economy, aggressive driving is also dangerous, dramatically increasing your chances for an accident, or decreasing your chances of avoiding one.
Similarly, always obey posted speed limits, as unnecessarily high speeds will require considerable amounts of fuel. Though there is some variability, as a general rule gas mileage begins to decline past 50 to 55 miles per hour. By speeding through larger roads and highways, your fuel economy will be significantly reduced, more than offsetting any benefit achieved in traveling a few miles per hour faster. Drive at a reasonable speed, never beyond the legal limit, and never overwork your engine for such a lengthy period of time.
Your vehicle's cruise control function can be a helpful way to avoid speeding and maintain a consistence pace on long drives on the highway. Over long distances, it can be a challenge to maintain a steady pac e, often requiring you to make incremental adjustments speeding up or slowing down, adding to the stress of your engine. By locking your speed into a stable place, your engine will be able to run at a constant speed.
Limiting unneeded weight will also help limit the work your engine must do to move the vehicle along. All aspects of your vehicle's performance can be inhibited by added weight, forcing your engine to work harder and use more fuel. To keep things as light as possible, remove all unnecessary equipped stored on board; never treat your car as a storage facility. Only pack things you need into your car. Just 100 pounds of added weight can decrease your fuel economy by 2%, which can add up quickly into several miles removed from your gas tank, forcing you to spend more time at the pump.
Avoid long periods of idling whenever possible. If you find yourself in a place where you will remain stagnant for an extended period of time, shut your engine down rather than let it run idly, consuming fuel. Depending on your engine, and any use of the air conditioner, an idling car can use of up to a half a gallon of gas per hour. Conversely, shutting down your engine and restarting it too often can do damage to your engine's starter motor, potentially leading to costly repairs. Finding the right balance is essential.
Maximizing your vehicle's fuel economy depends on your ability to drive efficiently, avoiding unnecessarily aggressive maneuvers. Driving sensibly will not help you save hundreds of dollars a year, but it will also help keep you safer on the road. Advancements in engine technology will make no improvements if the vehicle is driven in an aggressive or dangerous way. Even hybrid vehicles with 50 miles per gallon ratings or higher can behave like large SUVs if driven erratically.
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→Efficient Driving Tips for Improved Gas Mileage
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