With high fuel prices on the minds of most Americans, finding ways to be more economical and fuel efficient are on the rise. So what can you do to save money? More and more automakers are developing new, easy to use tools to help drivers keep an eye on fuel efficiency.
* Make sure your tires are properly inflated. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you can improve fuel economy by about three percent by making sure your tires are properly inflated, but not enough people do it. The U.S. Department of Energy says nearly four million gallons of gas are wasted each day nationwide for every one psi of tire under-inflation. That translates to more than $10 million per day, or $3.8 billion per year in wasted gas money.
* Test your vehicle's emissions systems to make sure the engine is working efficiently. Fixing an engine that has failed an emissions test may improve gas mileage by four percent, on average. That's the equivalent of 12 cents per gallon.
* Change your car's oil and filters regularly. Changing the oil regularly (as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer) will increase the life of the car's engine. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and it removes harmful dirt and grit from the engine. The car's air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve fuel economy, it will protect the engine. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.
Or better yet new hybrid cars are an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money at the gas pump and help the environment. Many car manufacturers are making hybrids because they are small and fuel-efficient. They are powered by a combination of an efficient gas engine and by electric motor that helps with accelerations. Batteries that recharge automatically power the electric motor. On this Hybrid Cars site you will find a large selection of topics covered with expert advice and tips for anyone considering the purchase of a hybrid car.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Calculations based on an average gas price of $2.60 for 2006 from the DOE's Energy Information Administration. Estimates for fuel savings from vehicle maintenance are based on studies and literature reviews performed by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., Washington, DC.
Car Fuel Economy Comparison
1. It has to be said: the very best thing you can do to help the environment with your car is stop driving it! Well unless you are a college student, you may not have that option any longer. The best alternative then is just to drive slower instead. You see, most cars appear to save gas when driven at speeds of between 50 mph to 60 mph. So drive like Goldie Locks, not too slow and not too fast. This is how to drive smart, save green.
2. If you desire to make your car more fuel efficient you could conserve a staggering 20% of your car's fuel consumption just by reducing tire roll resistance! If you are to drive smart and save green then you need to think about this. Simply spend a bit more and buy quality tires. Even though they might cost a little more they will perform better. It is important to note that under inflated tires cost you more in gas bills! So here is another simple way to increase fuel economy, imagine if everyone did it.
3. I'll bet there are many items that you store in your car's trunk that don't need to be there. Lighten the load in your car. Each season go through each item you regularly carry. In spring get rid of your winter emergency gear. If you don't really need it, well recycle it some how. This is the most cost effective wayto drive smart, save green - just drive with a lighter load. That will let your car be more fuel efficient.
4. If you are going to be sitting still for long, switch off your engine while you wait. Realistically, if you are likely to be waiting more than one minute than restarting your engine burns roughly about the same amount as one minute of idle time. So it is worth considering if you think you will be idling for more than a minute, cut the engine. You'll save gas and money - drive smart, save green.
5. Drive in a more gradual and smooth manner. While really this one might be obvious on its face, it should be the unspoken rule of drive smart, drive green. Erratic driving full of sudden starts and hard braking uses up a lot of extra gas. Not to mention the extra wear and tear on your car, which means extra costs to you and the environment.
So as you can see, learning to drive smart, save green is basically just common sense. Some people really need their cars to get around. It that is you, then learn to drive it responsibly and sensibly. The best alternative is if you can walk easily to where you need to go, then just do it! Walk across the parking lot to the video rental store. So if you must drive than drive smart, save green when you can't walk.
Both John Mccollim & Rebecca Montana are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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