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20 November 2008
SUMMER DRIVING TIPS
How to Save More Fuel
It always seems like “how to” articles repeat themselves, yet there is always something new to be learned from them. In the case of fuel economy, we have all seen enough…or have we? More than ever, saving fuel is important. Chances are that the vehicle (or vehicles) you are driving right now are there to stay for quite a while. You probably have already leased or bought one or a few cars and/or light trucks for the next two or three years. If you had the opportunity, you’d trade them for less fuel-thirsty cars, but you can’t right now! So, what else can you do but try to do the best with what you have? As you might expect, the usual advice of “maintain the right pressure".
Fuel economy ideas are simple. It’s applying them that’s less simple. It takes willpower…and serious maintenance. It may very well start with the tires. Indeed, there is nothing on a car or a light truck that grabs so much power out of the vehicle than its tires, the only physical contact the vehicle has with the road. So, it is important to make the best use possible of them.
 As you might expect, the usual advice of “maintain the right pressure in your tires” would come up. Newer cars and light trucks might help you out since the Tire Pressure Monitoring System will help you discover a deflating tire. But keeping track of your tire pressures by yourself is still the most efficient way to save fuel. Here’s a new piece of advice. Fill your tires with Nitrogen! It has been proven that tires filled with Nitrogen do not lose their pressure so easily and still, they keep cooler during hot summer days. And cool, well-inflated tires are what’s best for a good fuel economy. Then, there is a proper wheel alignment… anything to minimize friction that builds up fuel consumption. Wheel balancing will also be an aid.
Tires filled with Nitrogen usually have a green valve cap.
The main factor!
There are so many ways of making a vehicle fuel efficient. Other than wheels and tires, mechanical maintenance can help, such as well-tuned engines including fresh spark plugs (if needed, since today’s plugs are good for some 100,000 kilometres or more), clean air filters, lighter oils, and much, much more.
A properly maintained engine will deliver better fuel economy.
The most important factor remains the human operator between the seat and the steering wheel. “Brain power” is what will make any vehicle save fuel! No matter how much technology you add to a vehicle, if it is not properly driven, the results can be disastrous. Consequently, a well seasoned driver will remember to drive within the speed limits, saving as much fuel as possible. Linear acceleration, careful passing, and steady speeds at a reasonable level all contribute to a better fuel economy.
Last but not least, be on the lookout for days when the fuel is the least expensive. Adjust your driving and needs accordingly. Finally, don’t fall for any type of fuel saving device. Most of them have been proven useless. At any rate, any type of fuel-saving gizmo will never replace a steady and careful driver and a well prepared vehicle. | |
