Have you seen gas prices lately? They’re on the rise. At a national average of over $3.75 per gallon of regular unleaded, many of us are looking for ways to lower that expense. We have a few tips on how to lower your gas consumption and relieve some of the pressure on your wallet:
- Slow down. Engines consume more fuel at higher speeds.
- Drive with low RPMs (revolutions per minute). Try to keep it below 2000 RPM. Higher RPMs guzzle more gas.
- Don’t warm up your engine. It’s not necessary.
- Combine many short trips into one. Short distances require more fuel.
- Change the way you drive. Let go of that Jersey road rage, and accelerate and use the breaks as infrequently and gently as possible. Roll whenever possible!
- Keep your tiles properly inflated.
- Take off your roof rack.
- Check your air filter. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.
- Make sure your tires are properly aligned.
- Get a tune-up. A well-tuned engine can save you up to 4% in fuel efficiency.
- Make sure your gas cap is shut and tight. It’s been estimated that nearly 17% of cars on the road have broken or missing gas caps. These escaping fumes are bad for air quality and also hurt your fuel economy.
- Don’t idle. Besides causing pollution, idling wastes gas. If stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine.
- And of course, contact the GMTMA! You can cut the cost of your commute by carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, walking, or bicycling. Greater Mercer TMA can help you plan a new way to work. Visit our commtuter page, email us, or call (609) 452-1491.
This is probably not necessary.