Tuesday, December 23, 2014

8 Simple Gas-Saving Tips

Though it has been criticized by environmental interests, Canada's recent oil sands development offers promising implications for global oil prices. Still, until that market is fully fleshed out with functional pipelines and transportation, gas prices are just as volatile as the politically unstable fields that the fuel is harvested from. Read on for eight easy tips to save you money by maximizing your fuel efficiency. 
  • Shy away from high-speed driving. The faster you drive, the more aerodynamic drag your car has to contend with. An extra 20km/h increases fuel consumption by about 15%.
  • Keep your lead foot in check.Try to anticipate the ebb and flow of traffic so that you can limit yourself to steady acceleration and braking. This can increase fuel economy significantly.
  • Stay on top of your tire inflation. Every time your tire PSI falls 2 notches below the recommended level, you lose about 1% of fuel efficiency.
  • Don't overwork your air-conditioner. A/C subjects your engine to extra stress, causing a significant increase in fuel consumption. The same is true for the defroster setting. 
  • Keep your windows shut! An open window equates to an increase in drag, which makes your gas less efficient on gas.
  • Stay on top of vehicular maintenance. Poor fuel economy is commonly associated with soiled air filters, worn-out spark plugs, and sub-optimal fluid levels.
  • Control your cruising speed. The cruise control option eliminates the constant revving and braking that occurs when drivers try to manually manage acceleration. Keeping fixed at a constant speed increases your gas efficiency over time.
  • Lighten the load. Some recommend loading your car's rear end with weight for extra traction during the winter, but be warned that this burdens your engine and decreases fuel efficiency. Clear out any unnecessary items when possible.

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