Here’s part 2 of our long list of tips on how you can save gas by driving the economical way.
Tip 11: If you’re driving on a clear, paved road, then disable your “all wheel drive”. Most vehicles today come with the standard option for an “all wheel drive”. While this option provides superior traction control when driving off-road or through snowy streets, using this option costs you more gas then your vehicle normally consumes. To save a bit of gas, do disable this option, especially when you’re driving on clear and paved roads. If, however, you’re driving during winter or through irregular road conditions, then you can use this option once more.
Tip 12: Use your car’s cruise control. When driving on the freeway, it’s essential that you maintain a steady pace that’s well within the speed limit. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the fact that you’re doing
Tip 13: Do limit your use of air conditioning or avoid using it at full blast. We all know that air conditioning eats up a large amount of your engine’s horsepower. While the next viable option is to turn off your air conditioning system and to open up those vents and roll down the windows while driving, doing so would conversely lower your vehicle’s aerodynamic capabilities. So look for the happy medium, and turn your air conditioning system on low while keeping your vehicle’s windows closed.
Tip 14: Follow speed limits. Aside from avoiding getting a speeding ticket, this trick allows you to save some gas in the process. By driving at most
Tip 15: Don’t be afraid to use high gear. Most vehicles today come with the option of using high gear or overdrive when driving through the freeway. Aside from consuming less gas, this option provides you with a quieter engine because you don’t have to rev up your engine too often. Some vehicle models allows you to engage or disengage the overdrive option by pressing a small button found on your gear lever or your locking switch. The latest vehicle models also have the transmission set to overdrive by default. Every time you disengage this feature, you’ll see an amber light on your auto’s dash, and you’ll also hear your engine begin revving up as the tachometer starts rising to a higher range.
Another neat trick you can use to bring your vehicle to up-shift at an earlier time is to let off the gas a few seconds after initial acceleration.
Tip 16: Remember that your vehicle’s brakes are there for stopping. While most of us tend to use our brake pedals to slow down, you can do this just as easily by letting off on your ride’s gas pedal. Most first-time drivers tend to experience additional mechanical drag that uses up a lot of gas by resting a foot on the brake pedal as they drive. Refrain from doing this. This tactic will only eat up your vehicle’s rotors and brake pad.
Tip 17: Keep your vehicle’s windows closed while driving on the freeway at high speeds. As previously stated on tip 13, open windows, vents and sunroofs will only cause more air drag. Air drag can reduce your vehicle’s mileage by 10%. So keep your windows up!
Tip 18: Keep a steady pace when driving. Keep in mind that speeding up and slowing down wastes a lot of fuel. By keeping a steady pace, you get to save more gas—or at least use up less than you would if you were a stop-and-go driver.
Tip 19: Avoid tailgating! Aside from being extremely dangerous, particularly when the driver in front of you brakes or slows down unpredictably, it also affects your fuel economy.
Tip 20: Plan ahead if you know you’re about to drive uphill. Accelerate before you reach the uphill climb and not while your engine is struggling upwards. Aside from putting less pressure on your engine, it also lessens the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes.
Tip 21: As much as possible, steer clear from rough roads. The bumps and the uneven road can easily use up more gas than you can imagine. Rough roads tend to use up around 30% of your vehicle’s gas mileage. It could also damage your vehicle’s suspension in the long run. Avoid putting a dent in your bank account by preventing nasty repairs and reducing your vehicle’s gas consumption.
Tip 22: Take away your vehicle’s vinyl tops. Vinyl tops cause air drag, making your vehicle use up more gas than it should.
Tip 23: If your vehicle is on a standstill or idling, allow your automatic transmission to cool down first. Do this by placing your gear in neutral position. Doing so will help lessen the strain placed on your transmission system, allowing it to cool effectively.
Tip 24: Exercise regular vehicle maintenance and clean out your air filters regularly. Keep in mind that the lesser the air flow, the larger the amount of gas wasted.
Tip 25: Have regular tune-ups and vehicle checks. A well-maintained vehicle ensures excellent fuel economy.
