How To Be Fuel Efficient

 Here is a list of fifteen advices to help you improve fuel economy.

1. Slow Down. Driving within the speed limit is one of the most effective ways to decrease fuel consumption.

2. Make sure that the tire pressure is maintained. When tires are under-inflated, the rolling resistance of the tire increases which then makes the engine work harder and burn more gas to keep the vehicle moving. The best time to check the tire pressure is when the tires are cold or when it was idle for hours. This should be done at least once a month.

3. Try to steer clear of rain and headwind. Driving with an extra air approaching the car makes the engine use more fuel to keep its onward movement. This is the same every time a vehicle encounters traffic.

4. Avoid pressing too much on the gas after braking to regain speed. Not only does this action burn extra fuel, it also makes the tire wear quickly. Increase speed slowly after a dead stop.

5. A brief warm up of engine is what a vehicle needs even on cold mornings. Turning off the engine if the car will be idle for more than a minute will also help to save on fuel.

6. If the weather outside is not so hot or it if it's tolerable, turning off the air conditioner helps in decrease of fuel use. But also keep in mind that too much wind may also contribute to slowing down of the car's motion.

7. Think twice in changing or upgrading wheels and tires. Wider tires will surely make it more resistant to rolling which will then make the engine exert more energy to keep the car going. This will definitely consume more gas.

8. Make sure to have a clean air filter. Dirt on air filter limits the flow of the air to the vehicle's engine and this lowers the car's performance.

9. Getting the recommended grade of engine oil will improve the vehicle's gas mileage. Try to get a motor oil that say's "energy conserving" because this has additives that reduce friction.

10. As much as possible, park in the shade to save on fuel. Putting a vehicle under the sun will not only make it scorching inside for the passengers but also for the engine. This heat will generate evaporative emissions and so, the greater the heat, the more fuel evaporates.

11. Secure the gas cap. Loose or damaged gas cap will let fuel evaporate easily, much more if the gas cap is missing.

12. Get a low octane gasoline instead of premium fuel. Aside from being pricey, high octane fuel won't help with the car's fuel economy.

13. Ridding off clutter or unnecessary items inside the car will help the owner save on fuel. The more things are stored in the car, the more weight the vehicle needs to carry. And when the car carries more weight, there's greater pull which burns more fuel.

14. When buying a new car, if it's possible to get smaller cars or compact, choose to do so. Smaller vehicles are found to be more fuel-efficient than mid-size or larger cars.

15. Make sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tune-up intervals to enhance the effectiveness of the car's mileage. The better the engine, the less fuel it will consume.

James Chapman is a certified auto mechanic who regularly writes about automotive and how to improve cars and driving. Read more about his reviews on the ScanGaugeII and Scan Tools and Code Readers