nothing but sky high
05/13/08
So gas prices are redunk lately. $4.09 is a decent price for unleaded? Come on! So here’s some information on making your car, thus your driving trips, a little more efficient.
- Replace clogged air filters. A clogged air filter can cut a vehicles fuel efficiency by 10 percent.
- Check the air pressure on your tires and inflate any that are lower than the pressure recommended in the owner’s manual. AccuTire’s Programmable Tire Gauge ($19.95; www.properautocare.com) remembers the proper air pressure for you so can avoid pulling out the manual every time you check. Properly inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent.
- Slow down. For most vehicles, fuel efficiency begins to drop rapidly at 60 mph. Driving within the speed limit can improve fuel efficiency by up to 23 percent.
- Take it easy. Slamming on the brakes and accelerating too quickly can reduce fuel efficiency up to 33 percent.
- Get a tune-up. Routine maintenance can up fuel efficiency by 4 percent, while fixing more serious problems can improve efficiency up to 40 percent.
Originally from The Green Guide.
