10 Things That Eat Your Gas The Most
Posted on August 21, 2008
Filed Under Save Gas News
Gas prices grow extremely fast and don’t be too much surprised: experts say we can expect a 15-20% (!) price increase by the end of the year. With that prices even small cars owners won’t be able to go far on their cars not mentioning pickup owners for example. So what can be done about this? Here I listed top 10 things that you should pay attention to while driving and avoid them as that’s them who eat your fuel the most.
1. First thing is your car’s aerodynamics. Although all new cars have flowing design, some old cars are not aerodynamic. Besides open windows always increase the wind resistance and make you less aerodynamic. Altogether these two things can enhance gas usage up to 18%
2. Then goes the air conditioning. Yes, I understand – it’s too damn hot. But consider this before turning you AC to maximum: an average car conditioner eats more than 2 liters per 60 miles.
3. Your wheels. I mean not the wheels themselves (it will be hard to ride without them), but when they are poorly inflated you can loose up to 7% extra gas as the surface of contact between wheels and gravel grows. I bet 7% of your gas is worth pumping the wheels properly.
4. If nothing is wrong with your car but you feel that still you are wasting more fuel than normal you should definitely consider you driving style. You will probably notice that sometimes you tend to drive in a rude manner: harsh accelerations, harp turnings. All this makes you car eat more gas.
5.Another thing could increase your gas usage from 7 to 9%. That is your air filter, especially when it is dirty. In that case it will limit the access of air into the engine, which negatively affects its performance. Try to clean it regularly and you will feel the effect immediately.
6. Engine idling. Well, that all clear with that you’d say. Of course it is. Who needs to keep his engine running while not riding? But according to the statistics, an average driver spends up to 10% of his driving time in the idle state, where he literally wastes his fuel for nothing. This happens on short stops on the red lights, while awaiting “ just 2 minutes” for someone, warming up your engine and so on.
7. Speeding. Not only it’s dangerous and illegal, it also uses extra gas. Going on 90 mph gives you 25% (!) more gas usage than on 60. Think about it.
8. Overloaded car. It’s simple: every 30 kilograms makes your car eat plus 2% of fuel. So try to get rid of all unwanted stuff from your boot (yes, everyone has it) and clean up your saloon regularly. Avoid cheap, heavy tuning.
9. Unaligned wheels. Go to a repairing service and get your wheels aligned. This will economize up to 4% of your gas. Your expenses will pay themselves in no time, you’ll see.
10. Using wrong gear. This means that often, especially newbie drivers, use unsuitable gear for the speed they’re going on. This is not that hard to remember which gear to use, or you can simply ask one of your driver friends.
Happy mileage increasing!
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