Every day seems to bring higher prices at the gas pump. Here are some gas-saving tips from the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• Monitor tires. Underinflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder.
• Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle and the trunk. Less weight means better mileage.
• Consolidate trips and errands. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.
• Keep your engine "tuned up." Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.
• Use windows and air-conditioning wisely. Keep windows up at highway speeds to reduce air drag. This is true even with the air-conditioning on. But turn off the A/C in stop-and-go traffic.
• Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.
• Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your mileage.
• Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence works to improve automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of auto service professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. |
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