Save Gasoline: The basics of Saving Fuel Consumption When Driving
Saving fuel consumption is something all drivers should be considering. Knowing how to save gasoline when driving can save a great deal of money. Not only that, but you will be playing your part in reducing your personal carbon footprint. Fundamentally, that means you are helping to ease the strain on the planet's carbon-based fuel resources.
That might not make much difference in your lifetime, but it certainly will make a difference to your children and grandchildren. Even now, oil and natural gas reserves in the North Sea are being depleted. Perhaps today's hybrids will be tomorrow's gas guzzlers, and all cars will be electric but where will the electricity come from? Here are some tips on saving fuel consumption.
Drive Light
You get nothing for nothing when driving. Your fuel consumption is not just determined by speed and acceleration, but also by every single ounce or gram of weight it carries. It's a law of physics: a Nissan Altima with a toolkit in the trunk takes more fuel to drive a mile than without a toolkit. You can save on gas by removing everything you don't need from your car. It might not seem like much right now, but over a year you can save a lot on gasoline.
How to Save Gasoline: Go Easy on the Gas Pedal!
A gas pedal should be used only to accelerate when you have to increase speed - not to show off. It should not be used to rev up at the lights. Never hit the gas for fun - it costs money and depletes the planet's oil reserves! Perhaps in a small way - but lots of 'smalls' make one 'big!' You save money and help to ensure that your grandchildren will be able to drive that fabulous vintage Mustang you want to leave them. Accelerate steadily, and only slam the foot down when you are in trouble when overtaking.
Keep Your Tire Pressure Right
Use the correct tire pressure as stated in your manual. If you have no manual you can find the information online. Under-inflated tires create drag and significantly reduce your fuel economy. Over-inflated tires reduces grip, so you are not getting the best value for the fuel you use.
Saving Fuel Consumption by Reducing Drag
There are many aspects of automobiles that create drag and increase aerodynamic resistance. This means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. Here are some examples:
Racks: Never drive with a roof rack on unless you are using it - the same is true of cycle and ski racks. You may have to choose between fuel economy and bug deflectors and other add-ons. Light racks also cost you on fuel, and if these can be removed during long-distance driving then do so. Reattach them once you reach your destination.
Air Filters & Grills: Make sure your ail filter is clean. If your air filter is dirty, air cannot flow freely through it so drag must increase. The same is true of your front grill. Any blockage will act as a barrier to the free passage of air as intended. If you rely on the grill to cool your radiator, then that can overheat and cause even more problems.
Bodywork: Keep your bodywork clean. Dirty bodywork causes drag, because the air cannot flow cleanly along it. Wax regularly, and buff up the body to a good shine. This reduces wind resistance and makes best use of the aerodynamics built into the shape of your car.
Drive Correctly in Jams
When they hit a jam, most drivers keep up with the traffic in front - slow down then speed up then slow down and on and on. This involves lots of gear shifting (auto or stick). When you slow down then speed up you use more fuel than driving at a steady slow rate. Don't try to keep up, but drive at a steady slow speed. You will save fuel and still keep your place in line!
Economical Cruising
When driving on a freeway set your cruise control to 55 MPH - give or take a few MPH, this is regarded as the most economical cruising speed. A lot depends on the gear ratios, but at this speed you tend to making best use of the energy available from the gasoline you use.
Don't Drive!
The best way of saving fuel consumption is not to drive! Many people will jump into their car to visit a convenience store 200 yards away. Neighbors will travel to the same place to work in their own cars rather than share. A day will come when available fuel types are somewhere between fossil fuels (or derived from such fuels such as electricity) and non-fossil (nuclear, wind, hydro, etc.)
When that day comes, demand will rocket fuel prices. Vehicles not dependent on carbon-based fuels will be in great demand- so prices will increase! People should get used to traveling on foot until the divide is bridged and the new fuels are commonplace. Don't drive short distances - walk - you probably need the exercise!
There are more ways of saving fuel consumption. If you focus on how to save gasoline while driving using the above tips, you will not only save money but also help to ensure that your grandchildren will be able to enjoy driving as you do.
About the Author
Fuel consumption is a significant factor in the cost of running a car. Visit the Benton Nissan website on http://www.bentonnissan.com for more information on how to reduce your gas usage. Also take a look at the Nissan LEAF, the most efficient all-electric car you will find. The fuel consumptioni of the LEAF is zero, unless you count the source of the electricity stored in the battery.
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