Want to save fuel, apply these methods
The US news site Motor1 has just released some recommendations to help car owners save the most fuel. The savings are calculated in cents (0.01 USD) per gallon of fuel (3.78 liters).
Check the gas cap.Loose gas caps are a common problem with older cars. Motor1 estimates that about 17% of cars in the US have broken or missing gas caps, which wastes gas and pollutes the environment. The savings from this check are about 2 cents per gallon.
Drive straight.Driving over potholes can cause your wheels to shake uncontrollably. In addition to wearing out your tires, this movement makes your engine work harder, which can increase your fuel consumption by up to 10%. If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel is off-center, try to drive straight if possible, avoiding frequent steering turns. Fuel economy is about 28 cents per gallon.
Pay attention to the tires.Motor1 cites several sources saying that more than 25% of cars on the road in the US have tires that are worn beyond the allowable limit. Drivers should check tire pressure regularly, especially when driving in unusually hot conditions. This can save about 8 cents per gallon.
Change the correct engine oil.The manufacturer recommends using the correct engine oil for your vehicle, both for safety and to save fuel. The savings are estimated at about 5 cents per gallon.
Regular vehicle maintenance.The fuel savings will be about 11 cents per gallon. If your car is due for service, take it to the garage right away.
Clean the trunk.Reducing the weight of your car is the easiest way to save fuel. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk. It is estimated that every 100 pounds of weight increases your car's fuel economy by 1-2%. Motor1 says this can save you about 6 cents per gallon.
Turn off the engine when waiting for a long time.If the car is stopped for 30 seconds or more, drivers are advised to turn off the engine to save fuel if the car does not support stop/start function. In addition, there is no need to start the car in advance in the morning. Motor1 believes that this is unnecessary and only wastes fuel.
Take your foot off the brake pedal.The savings are calculated at about 90 cents per gallon. The habit of keeping your foot on the brake pedal will cause premature brake wear and increase fuel consumption by 35%.
Slower is cheaper.When traveling on the highway, instead of going 110 km/h (or 120 km/h), you should only go 100 km/h, saving fuel by about 7%, according to Motor1's calculations. And so, the car owner will save about 20 cents per gallon of gas.
Smooth ride.Motor1 estimates that you can save 54 cents per gallon if you drive smoothly. Driving slowly, accelerating and decelerating slowly, and avoiding hard acceleration or braking will help save gas. Assess traffic conditions to ensure the smoothest possible ride.