Gasoline Conservation Tips

1. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts (sudden acceleration).



2. Anticipate your stops by letting up on the gas pedal before you need to brake.



3. Do not speed. Besides being illegal and unsafe, speeding reduces gas mileage.



4. Avoid extended idling to warm the engine or when parked.



5. Use the air conditioner sparingly, especially when driving in slow-moving traffic. At freeway speeds, using the air conditioner might give better fuel-economy than driving with windows open, which creates drag.



6. When traveling through congested areas, plan your meal stops during commute periods to avoid traffic.



7. Be sure not to over-pack your vehicle. Over-loading reduces gas mileage. If possible, avoid tying items to the roof-rack, as it creates drag and reduces gas mileage.



8. Buy the grade of fuel recommended by your owner's manual.



9. Most cars are designed to use regular unleaded fuel (87 octane), which is 10-20 cents per gallon cheaper than premium fuels. Only vehicles with high performance engines such as exotic sports cars and some luxury vehicles need premium unleaded gasoline.



10. Check your owner's manual.



11. Price-shop the pumps in your neighborhood before you need to fill up. Gasoline prices vary as much as 10 to 15 cents a gallon in the same area for the identical grade of fuel.



12. Keep your vehicle in top-running condition. An out-of-tune vehicle has to work harder, using more fuel and prematurely wearing the engine and other components.



13. Check your tyres once a week for accurate pressure. Follow the tire pressure rating in your owner's manual and check pressure when tires are cold. Under-inflated tires will reduce mileage.



14. Change your engine oil regularly as recommended by the manufacturer, and make sure the oil level is within the "safe" range. Also check the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. Too little oil will make the engine work harder, leading to premature wear and reduced gas mileage.



15. Have the air filter checked each time you change the oil. A dirty air filter will increase fuel consumption.



16. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific guidelines and recommendations.

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