Gas prices are hitting eye-bugging new highs and most of
us can't afford it. This article will help you decrease your visits to the pump
while simultaneously helping the environment. There are three basic approaches:
working with what you've got, buying a different vehicle and using somebody else's
vehicle.
No,
we're not talking about borrowing your friend's car! Read on for the details.
WORKING WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
General hints:
- Use a sun shade. A cooler car requires less air conditioning.
- For the same reason, park in the shade when it's warm.
- Roll down a window instead of using your air conditoner.
- Clear your car of junk. Extra weight uses up gas.
- Fill up when it's cooler. Heated fumes create more ozone.
- Don't use premium fuels unless your car requires them.
- Don't top off your tank. The excess is lost as fumes.
- In winter, use a block heater to pre-warm your engine.
- Combine trips. Cold engines use more gas than warm ones.
- Try to avoid peak traffic times.
- Get an update before you leave to avoid sitting in traffic:
USA - Accutraffic
Traffic.com
Britain - TrafficMap
France - SYTADIN
DRIVING STYLE
- Don't pump the gas pedal before starting your car.
- Make sure that your parking brake is fully released.
- Don't floor the pedal when accelerating from a stop.
- Conversely, brake gradually wherever possible.
- Don't ride the brake. Try for a smooth, constant speed.
- Use cruise control and/or overdrive during highway driving.
- Don't exceed the speed limit. It wastes gas.
- If safe, turn off the car when idling more than 30 seconds.
- Save gas by single-handedly
dissolving traffic jams!
MAINTENANCE
(Proper disposal of used items is important for our environment!):
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Check them every 2 weeks.
- Rotate your tires regularly.
- Replace worn tires.
- Get regular tune-ups.
- Get regular oil changes per your owner's manual.
- At the same time, check your air and fuel filters.
- Make sure your gas cap fits tightly.
- Keep your transmission fluid at the proper level.
- See a mechanic if smoke is coming from your tailpipe.
- Ensure that your cooling system thermostat is working properly.
- Fix a slipping transmission immediately.
- Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling. Avoid A/C leaks.
GADGETS
There are a number of devices that claim to improve gas mileage. Some remove carbon deposits in your engine for more efficient combustion. Others maximize the atomization of fuel for better combustion. We have no personal experience with these, but they may be worth looking into.
BIODIESEL
Owners of vehicles with diesel engines can use biodiesel fuel without having
to make engine modifications. (Some hoses may need to be changed.) You can
find biofuel stations with this
map. Check back regularly... More are coming on line all the time.
If you're feeling really adventurous, you can make your own biofuel from used
vegetable oil, which is available for free at most restaurants. Either purchase
a small production
system or build your
own.You can use these to make your own heating oil as well.
NEXT: Buying Or Building A Greener Vehicle
