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Saving Gas Means Saving Money
So what can be done to counteract the American oil habit and help to curb the ever increasing gasoline prices? Conservation! Here are some timely, gas saving tips that cold help you realize better gas mileage allowing you to spend less on gasoline.
- Accelerate slowly & smoothly. - Accelerate gradually and it could help your miles per gallon. Your car won't be working as hard as it does with jackrabbit starts. On the plus side, you'll be a safer driver to boot.
- Let the car slow down by itself. - Try to anticipate your stops ahead of time and just let off the accelerator, allowing the car time to slow itself down.
- Drive at the posted speed limit on highways and freeways. - Consistently driving 5 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit is a sure way to use more gasoline or diesel. The more gas you use the more money your lose. At today's prices at the pumps you should be more willing to drive at the posted speed limits. And you'll find that, by driving the speed limit, you don't really get where you're going any later than before.
- Use your cruise control. - This is an effective way to improve your miles per gallon, especially on long stretches of road. Using your cruise control prevents the constant fluctuations that occur using your foot on the pedal. The consistent speed will cause your vehicle to consume less gasoline or diesel.
- Turn off the air conditioner. - This may sound difficult in the summer, but you might be pleasantly surprised at the savings you could obtain by simply rolling down your windows. Turning the air conditioner off causes the engine to work less, since it is working less it is also consuming less fuel thus increasing your miles per gallon.
- Maintain your tire pressure. - Low tire pressure makes your car work harder due to the rolling resistance placed on it by the tires. Be sure you don't over-inflate your tires, always maintain them to your tire manufacturer's specifications.
- Maintain your vehicle. - A dirty filter decreases your miles per gallon as does misfiring spark plugs. Have your vehicle turned by qualified technicians according to factory specifications.
- Consolidate your trips. - Try to plan out your daily trips in such a way as to allow you yo go to each stop without returning to your home, or business. Less trips equals less gas which means more money in your pocket in the long run.
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