With gas prices exceeding $3.65 per gallon on average, filling up could cost upward of $50, $60, $70 or more. Goodwrench offers consumers helpful tips to improve vehicle fuel economy and help drivers get every possible mile out each drop of gasoline. One of the simplest ways of doing this is with proper vehicle maintenance and sensible driving techniques.
"Modern engines have reduced requirements for regular tune-ups, but it's still terribly important to use a clean air filter, clean oil filter and follow your manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals to keep your vehicle running in optimal condition," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "In fact, following your manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule will help improve the vehicle's performance throughout its life."
According to a recent CBS News/New York Times consumer poll, American's think escalating fuel prices are the biggest economic problem currently facing the country followed by the housing and home mortgage crises and jobs. This further reinforces consumer's desire to improve fuel economy wherever possible.
Lord says Goodwrench offers easy tips to help consumers save gas at www.goodwrench.com. He also points to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Web site, www.fueleconomy.gov, for four detailed examples that could improve a vehicle's fuel economy. They are:
Observe the Speed Limit: While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb, assume that every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 7 to 23 percent
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.25 to $0.81 per gallon
Drive Sensibly: Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 5 to 33 percent
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.18 to $1.16 per gallon
Check and Replace Air Filters: Replacing a plugged filter improves fuel economy by up to 10 percent, according to the EPA. A vehicle's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of the engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will help protect the engine.
Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 10 percent
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.35 per gallon
Keep tires properly inflated: Improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires.
Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 3 percent
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.11 per gallon
"Tire pressure is critical," said Robert Sinclair, spokesperson for AAA of New York. "If you've ever ridden a bicycle with low air pressure, you know that extra rolling resistance makes you work much harder. It's the same thing with your engine."
10 Ways you can Save Gas from Goodwrench:
1. Go the speed limit. Use cruise control. You can get up to 20 percent more mileage traveling 55 mph than 70 mph.
2. Drive evenly. Avoid hard stops. Quick starts burn gas while hard stops also cost you. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast a bit before stopping for a traffic light or a stop sign.
3. Avoid idling and rush hour traffic. You're burning fuel while idling – up to a gallon every hour.
4. Open windows at slow speeds. Use A/C on highways. Around town, turn your air conditioning off and roll down the windows. On the highway, open windows create drag at speeds of 40 mph or more, so roll them up and use the air.
5. Remove junk from the trunk. Added weight in your vehicle affects fuel economy, so take unnecessary items out of your trunk.
6. Fill up when it's cool and before holidays. Cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening create less vapor. Also, getting a fill-up three days before a holiday will help you save on the per-gallon price at the pump.
7. Don't top off gas and tighten the cap. When buying gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically. And remember, your tank needs both fuel and fumes, so tighten the gas cap after every fill-up.
8. Use the correct fuel grade. Use the fuel grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
9. Don't accelerate up hill. Build up speed before an incline, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast on the way down for additional fuel economy.
10. Avoid rooftop carriers. Approximately one quarter of each gallon of gas is needed to overcome wind resistance, so avoid carrying things on your roof. If necessary, use an aerodynamic carrier to help minimize drag.
Visit www.goodwrench.com to find more tips on fuel efficiency, maintenance and driving.
