subject: Useful Recommendations To Save Fuel [print this page] Getting better fuel economy may seem like rocket science to you. It's easy to forget the human factor in gas consumption. We may not think about it, but every time we sit in a car without moving, we're wasting gas. Every time we slam on the brakes or put the pedal to the metal, we're wasting gas. Even small things, like keeping the tires inflated or removing excess junk from the trunk can save us money. Here are some more practical tips to help you save fuel, as recommended by the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC recommends driving more efficiently on the road to save gas. It's important to stay within the posted speed limits, not just for fuel economy, but for your safety too. Experts say that your MPG significantly decreases at any speed above 60 miles per hour. While some American highways are posted at 65 to 75, you can usually get away with driving 60, so long as you are safely cruising in the right hand lane.
It may seem impossible to save fuel while running errands all around town, but the FTC says you're better off taking one longer trip while your engine is warmed up, versus several short trips from a cold start. In fact, combining your trips can save you twice as much fuel covering the same distance! On longer journeys, you can improve your MPG by using your cruise control on the highway to gradually accelerate and maintain a steady speed. If you don't need that bike rack, a roof rack or excess items in the trunk, remove them! You can save 2% of your gas emptying out the trunk and up to 5% of your gas by removing items from the top of your car (which is creating added wind resistance and decreasing your fuel economy).
The FTC warns consumers to be skeptical of gadgets that advertise the ability to save fuel. For instance, the EPA has tested more than 100 devices that promise to "boost your mileage by an extra 6 MPG" or "improve your fuel economy up to 26 percent." These devices include liquid blend enhancers, fuel line magnets and other gizmos. They found that many of these devices actually increased exhaust emissions or even damaged the car's engine.
You can think of it as your American duty to try to save fuel whenever you can. For selfish reasons, getting better fuel economy will save you money. Yet, for broader reasons, you'll be consuming less finite resources, producing less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil.
