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Driving from station to station for the lowest price will only save pennies. Fuel efficiency saves money in the long run. (JUSTIN L. FOWLER/COPLEY NEWS SERVICE) |
Motorists should learn the benefits of fuel conservation in order to spend less time at the pump. Not only does fuel efficiency save money, but it also reduces emissions of greenhouse gases into our environment.
New automobiles have maintained a fuel efficiency of approximately 24 miles per gallon the past 20 years, according to AAA's Gas Watcher's Guide. The numbers remain low because Americans drive often and continue to buy large automobiles with little fuel efficiency. Americans drive about 29 miles a day and approximately 12,000 miles per year, according to the US Department of Transportation. This means each vehicle uses about 550 gallons of gasoline per year.
"You can gain some increase in fuel economy by keeping your car in tune, altering personal driving style or lightening your load," says Geoff Sundstrom, AAA director of public relations.
John Colrradetti, a Pep Boys salesman in San Diego, agrees that keeping your car maintenance up-to-date is important to achieving fuel efficiency. He suggests putting fuel injection cleaner in the gas tank after every oil change; it keeps the injector clean and allows gas to run through more smoothly. Air filters need to be replaced on a regular basis to keep impurities from damaging the engine. Changing a blocked air filter can improve a car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, according to the fuel economy website.
Underinflated tires waste about 2 percent of gas per pound of pressure below the suggested level, according to AAA. The site says to inflate tires by following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Bradley Berman, the editor of hybridcars.com, believes how you drive matters a lot when it comes to saving gas. Avoid aggressive driving, including speeding, constant braking and quick acceleration. If you are continually slamming on the brakes and driving at fast speeds, you are wasting gas. Coast as much as possible. Berman recommends taking your foot off the gas, and being aware of your surroundings to avoid sudden stops.
"We all lead busy lives," says Berman. "If you are late to work, you are going to forget how to drive in a way to save gas."
The fuel economy site presents these additional driving recommendations:
Cautious driving is even more important when traveling during the winter season, since cars have approximately a 10 percent to 20 percent loss in fuel efficiency. During the cold season, Berman says, engines spend more time warming up; it takes longer for the car to keep a standard operating temperature. Passengers tend to use heaters, defrosters, and headlights more often; there is more outdoor resistance (wind, cold air, and snow or ice on the roads); and stiffer tires cause a decrease in tire pressure.
Determining the octane level gas of your car and using the suggested grade of motor oil will reduce costs. The higher the octane level, the more the price increases. AAA recommends making sure your car has the proper gas cap. Avoid topping off your gas tank because fuel expansion may cause an overflow. Look for low gas prices, but don't drive to a station across town to save a few cents.
Something as easy as lightening the car load can help save gas money. Extra weight in the trunk, passenger compartment, or cargo area causes the car to use more fuel, according to AAA. Keep unnecessary items out of the trunk. Occasionally rolling down the window instead of always using the air conditioning is another easy tip.
Fuel efficiency needs to be considered when purchasing a vehicle. Berman tells car seekers to pay close attention to the fuel economy numbers on the vehicles. AAA asks car seekers to keep these options in mind:
"We have reached a level where batteries give off enough energy," said Berman. "It is affordable and logical to add these systems to our cars."
Denise Morrissey, the Toyota division communications administrator, says hybrids are becoming more appealing as gas prices increase. Toyota Motor Corp. recently sold its one-millionth hybrid globally. The corporation's goal was to produce a small car that would achieve better mileage than the internal combustible engine.
When possible leave your car in the garage. If it is a short trip, hop on a bike or go for a walk. Participate in a car pool to share the fuel expense. If convenient, AAA recommends using public transportation.
If you must drive, plan ahead in order to combine errands. Or change your daily commute in order to avoid rush hour traffic.
"Not everyone needs to start riding bikes," said Berman. "But making better choices in how we drive could add up to a lot. Hybrids and new technology could even play a role."
For more information, visit www.aaa.com, www.hybridcars.com, www.toyota.com and www.fueleconomy.gov.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
