Fuel Economy Factors: Some Things To Keep In MindFuel economy factors are what customers amongst you are trying to explore in the vehicles you buy these days. What they should also know is that even the best technology integrated into cars cannot give you fuel economy and the desired mileage. There are certain fuel economy factors which, if taken care of, will give better mileage for private vehicles. Its been said by experts that if you improve your car's fuel economy you can save around $300-$1500 of fuel costs per annum. The environmentalists feel that improving fuel economy is also one of the ways to lessen emission of harmful gases in the environment as well preserve natural resources. You need to follow certain guidelines for increasing the fuel economy of your vehicle. Some of them are:
1. Choose the right kind of gasoline: Buy the lowest grade of gasoline which is appropriate for your car. That premium fuel increases mileage is a myth. The fact is that they are essential only for particular engines which have fuel injection and other sorts of improved technologies. If your car needs premium fuel it will be specifically mentioned in the manual. Hence, without any reason don't fill premium fuel. I'm sure you will realize the difference in mileage if you are using premium gasoline not required for your car. 2. Use manufacturer recommended motor oil: Fuel efficiency increases by 2-3% if you use motor oil specifically mentioned by the car manufacturer. The makers of your car know which oil is suitable for their engine. 3. Maintain the right tire pressure: Maintaining the right tire pressure is very important for accurate gas mileage. Recommended pressure reduces heavy friction between the tires and the road and less fuel is utilized for energy derivation. 4. Check fuel tank cap: This seems very silly but the fact is that loosely tightened cap or slightly damaged cap can let a good amount of gasoline vaporize and you waste a large amount of gasoline. The result is that you never get good mileage. 5. Check the condition of the car: If you keep your car healthy, you will never face any problem of fuel economy. By maintenance I mean all the above said methods. Get your car serviced on time and repair it at the slightest possibility of any problem. Besides the above mentioned factors you must also be careful about your driving habits. You must follow some guidelines for driving as well to improve gas mileage. Here are some tips of driving for a better gas mileage. a. Drive efficiently and at a constant speed. Don't engage in frequent speed changing, braking unnecessarily, rapid acceleration and rash driving. These actions lower gas mileage. Imitating actions of 'Fast and Furious' or 'Torque' will land you up in the bad mileage category. b. Remove the load in your car. Every 100lbs of weight can reduce your mileage by 2%. c. Use cruise control while you are on highways. This will ensure constant speed and keep your car at uniform acceleration. Keep these fuel economy factors and see the difference. You will smile whenever one complains about his or her reduced gas mileage. |