Increases in the
price of gas always seeem to bring an increase in the number of so-called fuel-saving
gadgets and scams.
There
are important actions car owners can take to improve gas mileage, but the Better Business
Bureau warns us to carefully assess products or gas and oil additives with better mileage
claims.
There may be gas-saving
products that actually work, but consumers could be facing major engine trouble or a
nullified warranty by adding some devices to an engine.
The Environmental
Protection Agency regularly proves gas-saving claims to be untrue.
In addition, EPA has found engine
modifiers, additives, fuel line gadgets, liquid injection, vapor and air release and other
such devices also increase auto air pollution.
Keep in mind, a government agency
never endorses fuel saving devices.
An alternative to
looking for gas-saving gadgets would be to look at practical ways to actually conserve
gasoline:
Review your car's
owner's manual and make sure you are burning the proper gasoline with the correct octane
level. Most cars will operate properly on "regular" gasoline, though larger
vehicles with "muscle" engines may "knock."
Drive the speed limit. Remember that speeds of more than 60 miles
per hour increase fuel consumption.
Avoid sudden starts, accelerations, and stops. Acceleration
should be done gradually. Pressing the gas pedal no more than one fourth of the way down
allows the engine to function most efficiently. Avoiding sudden stops, jerks and
accelerations can save up to five percent on fuel.
Use overdrive and cruise control as needed. Most fuel efficiency
is attained when on the highway cruising steadily at 55-60 miles an hour..
Windows should be closed on highways. Open windows can create air
drag that can decrease the fuel consumption by 10%.
Avoid rough roads. Dirt, bumps, pot holes, and gravel can cause
30% increase in fuel consumption.
Take out unnecessary baggage. Keep an empty trunk whenever
possible. Any gadget, tools or loads that are not needed should be taken out. A hundred
pounds of extra baggage can affect fuel economy by two percent.
Maintain the car according to suggestions in its owner's manual.
The engine should tuned regularly, the tires should always have the right air pressure and
efficiently aligned, the oil should be changed when needed and air filters replaced
regularly. Clogged filters can affect gas consumption adversely by up to ten percent.
Use your air conditioner only
when necessary.
Turn off the engine whenever possible. Idling wastes fuel and
pollutes the air.
Warm up a cold engine for about 30-40 seconds. Longer warmups are
not necessary and waste fuel.
Revving the engine is always a waste.
And, of course, walk, bike, take
public transportation or carpool whenever possible.
