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Source:
Alldata.com
With today's
high gas prices, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day
to make minor modifications that will improve your gas mileage.
ALLDATA's ASE certified technicians have developed 22 effective
tips for reducing the amount of gas you use while driving your
vehicle:
Vehicle
Tips
Keep your
tires properly inflated, and check them frequently.
Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
Use the thinnest viscosity oil that you car's manufacturer recommends.
Keep you engine in proper mechanical condition.
Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters
are clean.
Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic
drag - just ask any race car driver.
Don;t use premium fuel if your car does not require it; using
it is an unnecessary expense.
Don;t waster your money on those late night "as seen on TV"
products that are supposed to increase your mileage.
Driving Tips
Avoid excessive
warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine
when you leave the car or have to wait a long time.
Avoid jack-rabbit starts.
Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour or less whenever possible.
For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows
and turn on the A/C when driving on the freeway.
For older cars with inefficient A/C compressors, use the ventilation
system and close the windows, temperature permitting.
Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and accelerate
smoothly.
Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go several places, plan
a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in
one outing.
Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and
the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning to take to
the recycler all weigh down your car unnecessarily.
Car pool whenever possible or practical.
Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested
areas.
Drive in the highest gear possible (without lugging the engine).
Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long
stretches of road.
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