Fuel Efficiency Begins at Home

Only about 15 percent in each gallon of gasoline in your car’s tank actually moves it down the road. The other 85 percent burns to overcome wind resistance and friction in the mechanical system.

Maximize that 15 percent with a few simple tips offered by Ken Katz, an engineer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to get the best possible mileage from your vehicle.

Maintain your car. Regular tuneups are vital for top fuel economy. Get oil changes every 3,000 miles. Keep air, oil, and fuel filters clean, and have your radiator, water hoses, coolant, and emission controls checked. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the frequency and type of maintenance service. A poorly maintained car can use 10 percent to 20 percent more fuel.

Keep tires properly inflated. Four tires underinflated by 2 pounds per square inch can amount to a 4 percent reduction in gas mileage. For a 20-gallon tank, this can mean a reduction of 20 miles per tank. Car manufacturers place labels in each vehicle, usually on the driver’s door, showing the recommended tire pressure. Use a gauge, available at any auto parts store, to regularly check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce road friction, improve vehicle handling, are safer, and last longer.

Use the recommended fuel octane. If you buy higher octanes than the owner’s manual recommends, the engine does not burn the fuel efficiently, the car does not run better, and you are paying a lot more for octane you do not need. Stick with what your owner’s manual recommends.

Drive sensibly. Plan your outings to cover all your errands in a single trip to avoid unnecessary idling and slow driving around town. On the highway, cruise control’s consistent speeds and driving slower save gasoline. Mileage improves by 11 percent if you drive 55 mph rather than 65.

Avoid extra weight. Take out golf bags, strollers, or big toolboxes, which make the engine work harder and use more fuel. An additional 100 pounds in the car can increase fuel consumption by about 2 percent.

Following these few easy tips will put you on the road to better performance from your vehicle, increased fuel economy, and money savings.

Joseph and Carol Berke are freelance writers living in Fort Collins, Colo.

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