Fuel Economy and your Driving!

It truly troubles me when I see a full size truck doing 150kmph(90mph). Only 2 things can come of this, one is you may have a nasty accident and the other is you will burn a LOT of fuel.

As far as fuel economy goes 4 cylinder Japanese car is usually the way to go. Don't go cheap on your 4 banger or you will regret it. The Rice burners are leaders in fuel economy and as such should be exploited.

Ask yourself if the car you are driving is what you need. Do you really need a large vehicle, could you make due with something smaller and more economic?

Here is a list of things to do in order to save fuel regardless of what you drive and in the process become a better driver.

1- Make sure you car is in order and clean. That means Air filter, fuel filter, oil changes, Tire pressure, Spark plugs and wires. There is more but these are the main ones.

2- Do not drive so fast. This means take off slower, and obey the speed limit. Most manual cars have a shift light to indicate when is the best time to shift, USE IT and keep the RPM’s as low as possible. I can easily shift below 3000 RPM and still have a decent take off speed. Remember, you’re not in a race.

3- Don't use your brakes so much. Often I notice people braking when they do not have to. Many times just letting go of the accelerator is enough, especially on the highway.

4- Coast whenever you can. If your driving and see a traffic light is red at a distance in front of you ease off the accelerator and coast to the traffic light. Often it will turn green before you get there and you won't even need to stop. This also has a bonus effect on the life of your brake pads.

5- If you can, take the back roads. I have noticed something in June of 2007 when I visited my brother. I took the highway there and drove at about 120kmph/75mph. On the way home I took the back roads or routes for which I could not really go more than 100kmph/62mph most of the time. Well I literally saw about 150km/90miles more on my trip meter on one tank full. The other option is not to go over the posted speed limit on the highway ( I know it’s hard).

6- Upgrading certain parts of you car to get better fuel burn can also improve efficiency and performance. A performance ignition system may do this for you. Any of those off the shelf toys that say they increase efficiency usually don't (watch myth busters).

7- Tires, those uber performance tires that are wider than you aunt Edna's ass will definitely cost you more in fuel. They do provide more traction but also more drag. The thinner the tire is the less drag it has. Go with the tire size that the manufacturer put on the car in the first place. It was designed to use them anyway.

8- Don’t do anything to change your cars aerodynamic shape. Almost anything you add to the car's exterior will increase the drag and weight therefore your fuel consumption will increase.

9- The estimated fuel economy on the window sticker of your new car gives you certain details as to how economical the car is supposed to be. What they don't tell you is that these ratings are based on a car doing 90kmph/55mph on the highway and 40kmph/25mph in the city (don't quote me on this one but I have read this on a few forums and sites). As for Hybrids, some savvy drivers can get just as good or even better economy than most hybrid cars, which is not to say Hybrids are bad.

10-DO NOT LEAVE YOU CAR IDLING! You car uses more gas when idling then you think so unless you have kids in the car during really cold weather then DON"T IDLE.

11-WALK! If you're just going to the store a few blocks away and you're in no hurry then why not walk there or even take a little bike ride? Besides, it’s good for you.

12-Take the bus or train (electric if possible). Commuter trains are a great way to get from the suburbs to the city and most of them will take you right downtown. This is great if your going shopping with family or friends and you don't have to worry about feeding the Parking meter every 2 hours.

That's it! Common sense mostly.



Thank you for reading………