Fuel- Efficient Money Saving Tips
Articles
Dec 13rd, 2016
Trying to save money on gas and car expenses these days with the unstable economy? It is important to be aware of ways to save. Check out these tips for fuel-efficient driving, and watch the savings add up:
- Drive sensibly: Don’t be a lead foot. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking are the quickest ways to waste gas. Press on the accelerator pedal gently. A good rule of thumb for optimal fuel-efficient driving is to take about five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 15 miles per hour from a stop.
- Get the right motor oil: By using the recommended grade of motor-oil you can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%. Anything other than the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil will lower your gas mileage because of increased friction in the engine; the correct oil can prevent the metal surfaces in the engine from grinding together.
- Be good to your brakes: Sometimes, to avoid an accident, you have no choice but to slam on the brakes. Within normal driving situations to conserve fuel and save money coasting toward a stop sign or red light is ideal. It’s not only a fuel-efficient driving habit; it’s also easier on your tires and brakes, which helps you save on maintenance and repair costs.
- Avoid Idling: If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don’t idle your car. The engine uses more fuel than restarting your car.
- Heaters: During the winter months use a block heater to warm your car up, as cold engines burn more fuel. Do not leave your car unlocked with the keys in the ignition to warm your car.
- Be good to your car: Regular maintenance, oil & filter changes, tire rotation, etc., is the best way to keep your investment going for a long time. It is just as important to have your car in for regular check-ups as you would for yourself.
- Monitor Tire Pressure: Keep your tires properly inflated, low pressure increases rolling resistance. Check and adjust your tire pressure often.
- Seasonal Tires: Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire treads really robs fuel!
- Filling your tank: Full or halfway filled tank? Good question, filling up your tank halfway will reduce your car’s weight, increasing your mileage slightly. However, if your nearest gas station is significantly out of the way of your daily route, make sure to take into account the gas spent driving to the station and the value of your time.
- Don’t speed: Fuel consumption increases significantly over about 90 km/hr. At 110 km/hr your car uses up to 25% more fuel than it would cruising at 90 km/hr. If your car is fitted with cruise control, using it during highway driving will help to maintain a steadier speed, which will save fuel.
Visit Honda West Calgary today to book your Service Appointment and keep your car running great!