Secrets to saving money at the pump

By Staff
March 20, 2004
special to The Star
With fuel prices on the rise and concerns about future availability, you're probably searching for ways to conserve as much gas as possible. Get more mileage for your money with these easy tips, courtesy of Amsoil. Inc.
1. Drive with caution. Don't exceed highway speed limits. Use moderate-to-easy acceleration. Gas mileage is negatively affected by fast acceleration and fast deceleration. If possible, use cruise control on highway trips. Maintaining a constant speed helps reduce fuel consumption.
2. Maintain a properly tuned engine. Dirty spark plugs do not create the maximum spark and cause reduced horsepower and increased emissions.
3. Go easy on the air conditioning. Limit use of air conditioning, especially on summer days.
Use synthetic lubricants. Switch to synthetic motor oil and drivetrain lubricants. Independent tests show savings of up to 5 percent using Amsoil synthetic motor oil, gear lubes and ATF.
Maintain your car's air filter. Install a new air filter as needed. To get optimal efficiency from your engine, it needs to breathe.
Take advantage of aerodynamics. Keep windows rolled up if you are traveling over 40 mph. At highway speeds, traveling with the windows open can create a wind drag that will lower your mileage. Sunroofs also disturb smooth aerodynamic air flow and reduce mileage. Avoid using a roof rack; you can reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.
Take good care of your tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and keep them balanced and rotated regularly. Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road. Also, make sure the front end is aligned for better mileage and a longer tire life.
Avoid excess weight. Pack light and clean out your trunk periodically. You would be surprised how many unnecessary items most people keep in their trunks. Every 200 pounds of unnecessary weight shaves 1 mile per gallon off your gas mileage.
Minimize idling. One minute of idling uses more fuel than restarting your engine. When possible, avoid drive-throughs. Idling for as little as 10 minutes while you wait in line can waste 5 or 6 miles of gas. Limit warm-ups to 30 seconds.
Plan trips in advance. Make a list of errands and try to take care of as many as possible on the same trip.
For more information and tips, visit www.amsoil.com.
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