Getting good gas mileage 1
With gas prices skyrocketing, and showing no real signs of coming down any time soon to their more normal levels, it’s a good idea to see what steps you can take to get the most mileage from the car you do have, before thinking about trying to trade it in, and ending up with something that could cost you even more in the long run.
1-Take care of your vehicle. Clean oil, fresh spark plugs and a well-tuned motor are more efficient than a run-down system. If your car is under warranty for regular check-ups, make sure you take it in for proper maintenance.
2-Use the correct gasoline. Most cars run well on an octane rating of 87. Mostly it’s just high-performance and turbocharged engines that need higher octane.
If your engine is pinging on acceleration or up hills (making a sound like shaking uncooked popcorn in a glass jar) use a higher octane gasoline. Check the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s requirements.
3-Keep your tires inflated properly. Incorrect inflation leads to rolling resistance from the tires. Most car tires should be inflated to 32 PSI. Adjust accordingly depending on load and weather conditions. Again, read your owner’s manual for guidelines.
4-Drive at an even speed whenever possible. It’s more efficient than rushing to the next traffic light and then stopping and burning guel standing.
5-Use cruise control on the highway.
6-Choose the route with the flattest terrain and fewest stops, if you can.
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