Save Fuel in 10 Easy Steps

With gasoline prices again heading sharply upwards, drivers are again looking for ways to get the maximum mileage out of every tank of gas. Drivers of all ages can save money at the pump using a few simple steps.

1. Start by slowing down. Changing the way many of us drive, which is the most effective way to gain in fuel economy. This means stopping those jumping jack-rabbit starts, aggressive maneuvers, and observing the posted speed limit.

2. Limit use of the brake pedal. Do this by anticipating stops and avoiding sudden, hard braking.

3. Use cruise control whenever possible. Cruise control keeps the driving speed consistent and allows drivers to see ahead rather than reacting to every small change in surroundings.

4. Avoid excessive idling. Idling uses more fuel than turning your engine off and restarting it. For example, if you're at a light that you know is more than one minute in length, shut off your car. Another place excessive idling occurs is in the drive-through. Whether it's a fast food restaurant, bank, etc. park and go inside. Better yet, you often save more time by going in, rather than sitting idling in endless lines at the drive through.

5. Turn the air conditioning temperature up. Automobile air conditioning is a burden on the engine that uses fuel. Turning the temperature up or better yet, keeping it turned off when you can.

6. Pulse and glide. A favorite technique of hypermilers, however it can only be accomplished with hybrid vehicles.

7. Plan trips in advance. Like lowering our speeds, changing the way we approach errands takes some practice. Organize your trips so you are not getting in the car multiple times in one day, and in planning out trips, be sure you're not retracing steps to places you've already been.

8. Keep up with car maintenance. A well maintained vehicle operates at peak efficiency. Be sure the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter are clean, and it they're not, replace them. Even something as easy as keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

9. Carpool or use public transportation instead of driving to work, a lone driver in a vehicle. If you must drive, use the above steps and map out the most fuel efficient route.

10. Lighten your load. Again, according to the EPA every 100 pounds of unnecessary weight can reduce fuel mileage by up to 2 percent.

Kathryn Schleich is a freelance writer with over 15 years experience. You may contact her via e-mail at: kathrynschlei777@yahoo.com.

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Fuel for Thought - How to Save Gas and Money at the Pump

The price you pay at your gas station depends on various factors, from the buzz on Wall Street to unrest in the Middle East. Even when crude oil prices are stable, gasoline prices fluctuate due to the season, competition among gas stations and problems at oil refineries. As the price of gasoline inches towards $4.00 a gallon, here are some tips to save you money and improve the quality and efficiency of the gas you buy.

Fill up when the tank is half full.

The more gas you have in your fuel tank, the less air that occupies the empty space in the tank. This cuts down on the amount of gas that evaporates, thus retaining more fuel in your tank.

Fill up early in the morning.

The fuel storage tanks at gas stations are buried underground. When you buy gas or fill up early in the morning when the ground is still cold, the gasoline is more dense, so you get more for your dollar. As the temperature rises, the gas expands and becomes less dense, so even though you purchased a gallon of gas, you're not getting a full gallon of gas. Buy early instead and get your money's worth.

Pump slow for more flow.

When you're filling up your car or truck, be sure to pump the gas on the "slow" mode. Most nozzle triggers have three pump settings: slow, medium and fast. When you pump slow, you cut down on the vapors that are created while pumping. Conversely, when you pump gas fast, more of the gas evaporates. The evaporating vapors are then sucked up and drawn back into the station's storage tanks instead of into your fuel tank. Pump slow to get more for your money.

If a gas truck is in the station, keep going.

When looking for a gas station to buy gas, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the station's storage tanks, look for another station. The reason is that when a fuel truck pumps gas into a station's storage tanks, it stirs up dirt and sediment that is normally on the floor of the storage tanks. If you pump that stirred up gas into your vehicle, it could contain dirt and sediment in it. If there's a fuel truck, look for another station.

Not a big difference between brands.

Oil companies spend millions on advertising to promote why their gas is better than the competition's. In actuality, there is little difference between brand-name gas and others. Since 1994, the federal government has required that detergents be added to all gasoline to help prevent car fuel injectors from clogging. State and local regulators keep a close watch to make sure those standards are met.

Pay cash at the pump.

When you swipe a debit card at the pump, some stations ask banks to automatically set aside some of your money. So even if you only pumped $10 worth, the bank could hold $20, $30 or more for up three days. Also, some stations charge up to 10 cents more per gallon to use a debit or credit card. Pay cash and know what you spent.

Drive Slow and Coast.

Remember between fuel ups to slow down and go no higher than the speed limit. When going down hill, don't use gas, use gravity. Remove your foot from the gas pedal and coast.

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How to Save on Gas Mileage - Air Conditioners Increase Fuel Consumption

High gasoline prices have drivers searching for any way possible to reduce their fuel consumption. Fortunately that are techniques that exist to help. Most of these methods are cost free. Drivers who make some effortless alterations will soon find themselves saving money.

There are many new products that claim they will reduce your gas consumption. Most of these products have not demonstrated that they can back up their claims. Environmental Protection Agency testing of these commodities has failed to find any that increase gas mileage as promised. Also these products are often expensive. This is why it is best to approach reducing fuel consumption by implementing practices that are common sense.

One of these common sense approaches is to re-evaluate your use of your vehicle's air conditioning unit. You will most probably have noticed that your engine is not as responsive when the air conditioning is on. An air conditioning unit draws a considerable amount of power from the engine to operate. Along with that draw on the engine power, the air conditioner will also lower your gas mileage.

The answer to these unfavorable outcomes is to turn off your air conditioning except when it is unavoidable. You might find yourself warmer in your vehicle then in the past, but the increased gas mileage will be welcome. You will find the extra savings at the gas pump well worth the sacrifice of air conditioning.

There are also options available to help cool you down. Try to plan your trips during the early morning or evenings if possible. Avoid driving during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its highest and temperatures have risen. This will prevent you from the temptation to switch on the air conditioning.

There is also the old-fashioned method of cooling your car's interior. Roll down the windows! This will give you a pleasant flow of air circulating the interior. Higher speeds will produce a stronger airflow that should suffice to keep you comfortably cool on days when the heat is oppressive.

It is true that the drag created by having your windows rolled down can negatively impact your fuel consumption. However, the gas burned will not equate to the amount of gas you would use if the air conditioning was on. To compensate for the slight increase in fuel consumption caused by the drag, you can slow your speed down five miles per hour.

While summer heat can be uncomfortable, the cost of gasoline has reached a height that is even more difficult to bear. It is clear that we need to find means of alleviating the financial burden this has placed on drivers. Do your best to avoid switching on the air conditioning for a trial period and you will see the obvious benefits. Then you will be convinced that leaving it off, making adjustments to the time of day you drive or simply rolling down the windows are all common sense ideas that will save you hard earned money the next time you need to fuel up.

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How to Save on Gas Mileage - Air Conditioning Effects on Fuel Usage

If you are searching for solutions to the recent extreme gas prices, you are not alone. There are simple ways to reduce your gas expenditures. The changes can be made without spending even more money or making complicated conversions to your vehicle. You can lessen your vehicle's fuel consumption with one simple twist of a knob!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested numerous goods or merchandise which assert they will maximize gas mileage and/or decrease fuel consumption. So far the EPA has not found one product that produces the benefits it claims. So save your money on products that have little or no advantage and read this article to find out how one knob will increase your mileage.

Turning off the air conditioner in your vehicle will save you gas. When the air conditioner is on, your engine sounds louder and acceleration is not as responsive. This is because air conditioners consume a lot of power. When the air conditioner is switched off, you will notice an immediate improvement.

Try to turn off the air conditioner whenever you can. Only use it if you must. Instead plan your trips or chores for mornings or evenings when it is cooler. Avoid the hottest period of the day when you are more apt to put on the air conditioner.

Running your air conditioning at 50 percent capacity can consume an extra ten percent of fuel. Short trips will require more air conditioning power. For example, if on a hot day you drive fifteen minutes to the bank you will have had the air conditioning on full blast to cool off your vehicle. It will have just cooled down by the time you reach the bank. Then you park your car for thirty minutes. In that time the interior car temperature will have risen again considerably. When you finish your errand, you must again have the air conditioning at full power to reduce the interior temperature and, by the time you return home, the car will only have begun to cool down. City driving with air conditioning will have the most significant effect on your fuel efficiency. As well, if your vehicle has a small engine, the fuel consumption will be greater because the power draw from the air conditioner is relatively constant.

Lower your windows to get a cooling breeze flowing through your vehicle. You will have a brisk airflow travelling on the highway, which will help you cool down. Another benefit of rolling down windows is you will enjoy the scenery more than if you are cocooned in your vehicle with the air conditioner blowing and the windows rolled up tight.

While you might create a slight drag with open windows that marginally lowers your fuel efficiency, this is offset by the much greater amount of gas an air conditioner would consume. You can also reduce your speed slightly on the highway to counteract the drag.

All drivers are concerned about gas pricing. Many drivers own vehicles that have a high rate of gas consumption, such as sports utility and pickups. Purchasing a new vehicle with a higher fuel efficiency is not feasible. Gas purchases are eating up disposable income placing financial burdens on drivers.

Therefore, any method of reducing gas usage is of benefit. Turning off the air conditioner may leave you feeling a little warmer than in the past, but gas prices are forcing drivers to take measures they would not have otherwise considered.

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Fuel Conservation Tips

Even if you do not consider yourself an environmentalist, a little fuel conservation can really help not just the environment, but also your wallet! The price of petrol seems to always be on the rise. The best defense against rising gas prices is fuel conservation.

Map out a good plan of fuel conservation by following these helpful ways to conserve fuel:

Great fuel conservation starts before you even hit the road:

· Keep your vehicle properly tuned, and it can get from 6 to 20 percent better gas mileage.

· Keep your tires aligned and inflated properly. You should check your tire pressure once a month. Having tire pressures that are too low can increase your use of fuel by 3%

· Replace your air filter.

· If you are not using your roof-racks, take them off! They add to drag. Unnecessary weight in your car can also take away from good gas mileage (this does not mean that you can throw your sister out of the car to conserve fuel... although, it would help!)

· Another way to start good fuel conservation is to plan ahead. Combine your errands into one trip. Think about riding your bike, walking, riding the bus, or carpooling when possible and reasonable.

Fuel conservation can greatly be improved while you are driving or at the pump:

· Slow down! There is a reason why you coast to a gas station when your vehicle is on empty - you are not going to get to a gas station faster by driving faster when the faster you drive the more gas you use! In simpler terms, your fuel usage will greatly decrease when you are driving at speeds above 55 mph. Besides, you will have a safer drive when you slow down, too.

· Avoid rapid accelerating. In fact, you ought to let up on the accelerator (by driving slower), and when you use the accelerator, use it gently. There is a reason why it is called "stepping on the gas." The harder you step on the gas, the faster you use up your gas. Relax your driving style. Do not drive aggressively. Accelerate slowly. Driving aggressively can lessen your fuel conservation by 30-40 percent.

· Do not tailgate because it will lead to unnecessary braking and then acceleration.

· Do not idle. Modern cars no longer need to warm up to run.

· Turn off your car when you are waiting for someone.

· Your cruise control will add to your fuel conservation (of course, it is unreasonable to use it while just driving around town.)

· Your use of the air conditioner lessens your fuel economy, as well, especially if you use it at 40 mph or more. Why not just open the window to cool off? Park your vehicle in the shade.

· Using overdrive will lessen your fuel consumption while on the highway.

· Drive at the highest appropriate gear.

· While at the gas pump, use the lowest octane petrol suitable for your car - check your owner's manual.

· Fill up your car with gas early in the morning and on cooler days. The colder the gasoline is, the more compact it is... you will therefore end up getting more bang for your buck.

This may seem like a long road to fuel conservation, but even just doing a few of these things can really help improve your gas mileage. You could possible improve your fuel conservation by 40% or so by following some of these tips.

If all of these suggestions seem overwhelming, just take a few at a time. The road to great fuel conservation can be a long one. Most all of the tips that we have given as of yet can be found in greater detail at the U.S. Department of Energy.

All of the tips on fuel conservation that we have given you so far have to do with the vehicle that you already have. If you are planning on going out and buying a new vehicle, consider a vehicle that conserves fuel by design.

Check out the hybrids or smaller cars. A hybrid vehicle may cost more at the onset, but you will surely save money in the end, especially if gas prices continue to rise. If you do not need a ton of horsepower, abandon it - you will get better gas mileage.

The first step to fuel conservation is education, so congratulations for being interested! You have passed the first step. Now go out there and start conserving fuel!

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, the environment, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on cars and the environment, please visit Specialty Car Parts [http://www.specialtyparts.com].

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Can I Save Fuel If I Slip Into Neutral While Sitting in Traffic?

Driving in the traffic jam can be very stressful. You need a little patience and accept the fact that there is nothing you can do to make the vehicles move faster. The only thing you can do is relax and drive a little slower and keeps your driving safe while allowing yourself to more time to get to your destination. Be sure to always warn other drivers on what you are about to do. The basic rules and technique in driving are all part of the lessons in a driving school. You can always recommend someone who wanted to learn more about driving to enroll in the school that can provide the best lectures and practical test. While you are in the traffic jam, check your mirrors and be alert on the changes in the environment and the movements of the other vehicles around you. Turn on directional lights and other signals if necessary.

Speeding will not be worth it as it is expensive the way it consumes more fuel, possible fines and danger of injury or cash repairs. Always be aware of possible red light runners by looking on your right, left and for turning vehicles every time you get into an intersection controlled by traffic lights. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow enough distance to react in possible situations you might encounter. This is taught in a driving school to stay out of trouble on the road while traveling. The minimum distance that is recommended by law is three seconds and will possibly increase depending on the weather conditions. You must also try to keep safe stopping distances to avoid chances of running into another vehicle or pedestrian and cause serious accident.

While sitting in traffic, you can slip into neutral to reduce load on engine, save fuel and allow motor to run slightly faster while allowing your air conditioner to operate efficiently most especially during hot days. Your driving school will be able to teach you fuel saving tips while doing your lessons. You can double or triple your following distance to drive safe while saving fuel as you drive smoother seeing further what's ahead. Accelerate gently every time come closer to the vehicle rather than doing a harsh acceleration and braking which consumes more fuel. Your driving school instructor will be able to help you operate your air conditioner in such a way that there will be no need to run the compressor all the time. When traveling you may remove those unnecessary stuffs in your car to avoid extra loads to carry which uses extra fuel. You need also to keep your tires with optimum pressures and have your car a regular tuned up to make it on a top running condition. A driving school can teach you many ways of traveling safe. If you plan your trips ahead, you will be able to save time, money and effort as you do extra trips at the same day.

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Fuel Economy Fast - How the Thermostat Can Save Your Fuel

Thermostat

A thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator and ensures the engine stays at its ideal temperature.

When you start the engine the thermostat will be closed so that the engine warms up faster. When the engine is about to reach its optimal temperature, the thermostat will then allow the coolant to circulate through the radiator (to reduce its temperature) and ensure that the engine doesn't overheat.

It might be an inexpensive part but its role is of major importance.

Excessive cooling

With an open thermostat or without a thermostat (yes, some people run their car without the thermostat, which is very WRONG) you would have excessive cooling all the time and your engine wouldn't work at its optimal temperature. This would lead to less performance, lower fuel economy and higher emissions, and the oil wouldn't be hot enough to work at its best. Your spark plugs would also deteriorate faster and the engine's internals would suffer increased wear.

If you face cold weather difficulties increase. And when you turn on the cockpit heater the coolant temperature needle will probably go all the way down, unable to provide comfortable temperature in the cabin.

This isn't adequate and far from preserving your engine's health and efficiency.

Overheating

The contrary problem is if the thermostat doesn't allow enough cooling. Using a thermostat that does not open fully or doesn't even open means the engine will be working at higher temperature than adequate. That can lead to head gasket problems and having your engine open for repair. But that's not all; eventually, it can overheat and damage your engine beyond repair.

Noticing a faulty thermostat

The coolant temperature gauge will be of great help. Don't think it is very reliable and precise, it's not. But if the thermostat isn't working well in to a significant extent, you can notice it on the gauge.

If it is allowing excessive cooling, you can sometimes notice the needle moving down. That happens when you turn on the cabin heater and when you go for several seconds in gear at a moderate speed without pressing the accelerator. Because the car engine is barely burning any fuel, the heat generated will be much reduced and the thermostat will cause the engine to fall below its optimum temperature. This is very likely to occur in winter months although you can notice it during summer also (remember that air conditioning will add more fuel to the engine and makes it more difficult to spot it).

The opposite situation is when the indicator rises above where it normally stands. You can also notice the radiator fan being used more frequently. In extreme cases the expansion tank might allow some coolant to be expelled; that will look like smoke coming from under the hood. That's because the expansion tank's cap has a valve that will open slightly when submitted to high pressure. Since the coolant system is a closed circuit, the pressure will build up if temperature goes beyond desirable.

But don't get worried if the fan turns on during summer, especially at low speeds when there is little air entering the engine compartment. It's normal and very likely to happen. And if the temperature indicator stays at its normal position, there's probably no need to worry.

It's a good procedure to check your coolant level regularly.

If you change your thermostat and your coolant and things still don't look good, it can be a faulty temperature sensor. 

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