In today’s economy, one of the most talked about things among Americans is how to increase fuel efficiency in our vehicles. As gas prices continue to rise, that ongoing discussion isn’t likely to stop anytime soon. Here are seven ideas that you can use immediately to increase the efficiency of your own vehicle…without spending much money…and some of them at no cost whatsoever.
1) Unless it’s oppressively hot outside, turn off your car’s air conditioner. Running your air conditioner puts an added strain on your engine, thereby reducing its efficiency and increasing your mile per gallon cost.
2) If you find yourself stuck in stop-and-go traffic on a regular basis, you’ll save fuel costs (as well as frustration and time) by finding either alternative routes to your destination or by making your trips at times when there will be less congestion.
3) Always use good oil, whether it’s synthetic or standard oil that’s been treated with a friction-reducing additive. Tests have shown that either of those two alternatives can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 12 percent, which is a significant savings for something you’ll have to add to your engine anyway on a regular basis.
4) Whenever possible, use your cruise control. This can boost your vehicle’s efficiency quite a bit and will make driving long distances more comfortable in the process.
5) When you’re climbing hills, avoid trying to increase your car’s speed. During times like that, your engine is already working harder, so increasing speed while climbing a hill and trying to go faster only decreases efficiency and adds to your fuel costs.
6) Remove accessories like luggage and boat racks from the top of your vehicle. Those racks reduce the overall aerodynamics of your vehicle, thereby decreasing fuel efficiency.
7) Keep your windows closed when driving fast. Use the air vent setting for fresh air to reduce wind friction and optimize your gas mileage.
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