Summer is officially here and the vacation driving season is on us. Being a Realtor, any extra mileage I can squeeze out of gallon of gas helpls my bottom line. I have put together a list of 10 things to do to improve your mileage for those of us who forget.
10 Ways to Improve Mileage:
1. Have a complete check up. For safety and fuel economy, you should give your car a good check up before taking a trip.
2. Change your oil regularly. Dirty motor oil can impair your engine's performance cutting down on good gas mileage.
3. Make sure your tire pressure is correct. Keep your tires at the recommended pressure. Lower tire pressure can cause drag on the vehicle's performance.
4. Slow down. Within the range of normal highway speeds, each 10 mph over the limit, will reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%.
5. Cruise control. Use it if you're driving on relatively flat roads. It can prevent speed changes that waste precious gas.
6. Use the A/C . It's debatable whether your car uses more fuel to drive with your windows down or rolled up with the air conditioner on. So, turn on the A/C, cool down and enjoy the ride.
7. Avoid idling. Idling and slow driving wastes fuel, so plan your drive time when there is less chance of traffic jams.
8..Pack light. Extra weight cuts fuel economy, so pack as little as possible. And avoid hauling your stuff outside the vehicle. Roof-top bins and racks can cut fuel economy by 20%.
9. .Take it easy on the pedals. When not in highway traffic, calm down the aggressive acceleration and hard braking. This habit of quick starts and stops wastes an amazing amount of fuel.
10. Use the lowest grade. Check your owner's manual for the fuel your car needs. If it recommends "Regular" gas, use it. Using Premium just wastes money.
Ann Hayden Realtor St. Louis Missouri
For All Your real estate needs: www.SelectAnn.com
© Ann Hayden, 2008-2009.
Also a Clean Car saves gas ... yep looking good saves money... less drag
Thank you for the excellent tips! Welcome to Activerain and have a wonderful day.
Yes, less dirt is better for the image and I would guess mileage. Thank you for the input.
Ann- I save gas by being a listing agent:) We do most all our listings via email. We then only need to go to the property to take the photos and in the parts of our town where signs are allowed, ( not many) put up our sign and lock box. We save gas by grouping all these activities together.
I only fill up my Mercedes once a month. That is how virtual we have become.
Thanks, good suggestions. Veronica
Thank you for the warm welcome to ActiveRain. I look forward to learning more about the community.
Ann, great post, we all have to watch these items with the prices soaring. It's always amazed me how tire pressure can make the difference it does. Thanks for sharing.
Duane,
Yes, with the gas prices I find it helpful to keep an eye on the "car issues". My car is my home some days so I feel taking care of it is important.
Thanks for stopping by,
Ann
Nestor and Katerina,
What a great idea! I like being the listing agent too. And if this could save me some gas money, all the better.
Thank you for your time and insight,
Ann
Veronica,
They are still good ideas...
Ann