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Helpful Ways to Save Fuel

Helpful Ways to Save Fuel

Everyone likes to save money. People cut out coupons, buy during sales, brown bag their own lunches, and buy generic. So, why stop there. With the gas prices fluctuating there is never a definite price to work within your budget. Saving on fuel is doable, and with the right tips, you are sure to get the most mileage out of your tank. Automotive Fleet has some great tips to help you save fuel. Here are a few to get you started, but check out their website to read the rest.

Avoid Long Idling- The worst mileage a vehicle can get is zero mpg, which occurs when it idles. Idling for long periods of time, whether at a railroad crossing or pulling off the road to make a cell phone call, consumes gas that could be saved by simply turning off the engine. Restarting an engine uses about the same amount of gas as idling for 30 seconds. When idling for longer periods of time, shut off the engine.
However, turning off the engine may disable vehicle functions, including safety features like airbags. Drivers should be certain to only utilize this strategy in situations where there is no possibility of collision.
Keep Tires Inflated to the Correct Pressure- Buy tire gauges for your drivers so they can ensure tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. One underinflated tire can cut fuel economy by 2% per pound of pressure below the proper inflation level. One out of four drivers, on average, drives vehicles with one or more underinflated tires. When a tire is underinflated by 4-5 psi below the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, for example, vehicle fuel consumption increases by 10% and, over the long haul, causes a 15% reduction in tire tread life. Check the vehicle’s doorpost sticker for minimum tire inflation pressure.
Use Air Conditioning Sparingly- Use the air conditioner only when needed. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine, forcing more fuel to be used. An air conditioner is one of the biggest drains on engine power and fuel economy. It can reduce gas consumption 5 to 20 percent, depending on the type of vehicle and the way it is driven. Don’t use it as a fan to simply circulate air. If it’s just too hot to bear without A/C, keep it set around 72 degrees. Use the vent setting as much as possible.
In addition, parking in the shade increases fuel economy since not as much gas will evaporate when the car is out of the sun. Air conditioning won’t need to work as hard to cool down the interior.
Monitor Preventive Maintenance Schedules- Proper maintenance increases a vehicle’s fuel economy. For example, unaligned wheels that fight each other waste fuel. Keep the air filter clean. A dirty filter clogs an engine’s air supply, causing a higher fuel-to-air ratio and thereby increasing gasoline consumption. Use good quality, energy-conserving (EC) oils with a viscosity grade consistent with the manual. Look for bottles marked with the symbol ECII, which is the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) logo for fuel-efficient oils.

Pre-Owned Car Dealership in Abilene

All of Automotives Fleet’s tips make sense if you want to save fuel. Another thing that makes sense is saving money by buying pre-owned. Williams Group Auto in Abilene is the place to go for reliable pre-owned vehicles. We have a large selection of vehicles with three locations to make it easier for you to shop. We also have a virtual showroom to help you look for the perfect car or truck, visit us at www.williamsgroupauto.com.

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