Other than drive like an old lady what do you guys suggest
Ways to save gas.
- Thread starter kcryan
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Jack up your tire pressure a few psi (but don't exceed the max psi spec on the sidewall of your tire)
Agreed. Go 4psi over your normal recommended and drive nice and easy. It makes the biggest difference.
Keep you tires pressures up and your car in a good state of tune.
Drive efficiently and drive less.
When you have your car up to speed you have stored kinetic energy in the mass of the car. Think of that as an investment and don't waste it. Coast a bit as you approach a stop sign. If you coast down to 7/10 of your speed before you apply the brakes, you get back 1/2 of the fuel energy you used to accelerate. If you make quick stop with your brakes, you turn all that energy into heat and brake dust on your wheels.
When you are approaching a red light, slow down ahead of time so that you might still be moving when it changes to green.
Shift at as low an rpm as you can without lugging the engine.
Perfect advice. And yes it is as simple as that. No need to worry about hp needed at target speed, torque peak, vacuum guages or anything like that.
I would also do UOA with help from Terry. He really can tune an engine with it because once an engine is clean and efficient the gas mileage will follow.
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Read books.
Look at the bright side. Driving slowly is boring. Learning how to improve your fuel economy even more while you are bored will help occupy your mind while you are driving.quote:
Originally posted by pmwalter:
Now I have to learn how to drive all over again.
The brake pedal is connected to a very powerful machine. It has a lot more power than the engine used to get you going. The brake pedal can eat up energy much quicker thant the gas pedal. If you are really bored, try counting the number of times you press that brake pedal on your way to work and improve on it the next day. Be prepared though, there are many better drivers out there that want to beat you to every read light or stop sign. They will know your are a terrible driver when you sail past them as the light turns green. Read men hit every light red, even if they don't always stop.
I always let go of the gas when I see a red light coming ahead. Many times I am still moving when the light turns green and don't have to accelerate from a stop. I often get passed by idiots accelerating to get to a red light quicker. I don't get it....everyone always seems to be in a hurry but their driving doesn't get them any farther ahead of the pack
Only drive the car when you need to and try to combine trips together.
Walk instead of driving for those really short trips to the shops if they are close. Will save gas and improve your health.
Do not leave the car idling for longer than necessary. Turn off and restart if necessary. Drive as soon as possible after start-up (and take it easy).
Get a more fuel efficient car in the first place.
Walk instead of driving for those really short trips to the shops if they are close. Will save gas and improve your health.
Do not leave the car idling for longer than necessary. Turn off and restart if necessary. Drive as soon as possible after start-up (and take it easy).
Get a more fuel efficient car in the first place.
And when you combine your trips, string them together in a clockwise loop, so you're only making right turns.
excellent. Are you in mensa or something?
LOL! Only in Ballard, though (a community in NW Seattle)!!!!!
Yea, that will force you to slow down while behind the wheel
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I'm continually amazed at how many just don't get it. I had to remind my daughters (one just has her permit
If you have a roof rack take it down. If you have a factory roof rack, remove the cross bars. Most cars have an easy way to take those down with simple tools.
If you live in an area where it doesn't rain for months at a time (California for example), remove the windshield wipers and keep them in the trunk along with the tool necessary to quickly reinstall them.
Most fixed car antennas can be removed with an open wrench. Drive one day without the antenna and check the reception of your favorite radio stations. Or better yet, get an Ipod.
Remove all the clutter from your car. you might be surprised how much junk people carry around in the trunk and back seat of their cars. In a mini van, take out the third row of seats. Most people never use those anyway.
If you do most your driving close to home and you have AAA, leave the spare tire. Buy a can of fix a flat and keep your cell phone charged.
Use your AC on the freeway instead of rolling down the window. At high speeds an open window creates more drag than the AC. Consider tinted windows in hot climates, and light colors paint for your next car.
If you have an SUV sell it NOW! At $3 a gallon the rate of depreciation on these vehicles will increase dramatically.
[ September 03, 2005, 02:04 AM: Message edited by: jtantare ]
If you live in an area where it doesn't rain for months at a time (California for example), remove the windshield wipers and keep them in the trunk along with the tool necessary to quickly reinstall them.
Most fixed car antennas can be removed with an open wrench. Drive one day without the antenna and check the reception of your favorite radio stations. Or better yet, get an Ipod.
Remove all the clutter from your car. you might be surprised how much junk people carry around in the trunk and back seat of their cars. In a mini van, take out the third row of seats. Most people never use those anyway.
If you do most your driving close to home and you have AAA, leave the spare tire. Buy a can of fix a flat and keep your cell phone charged.
Use your AC on the freeway instead of rolling down the window. At high speeds an open window creates more drag than the AC. Consider tinted windows in hot climates, and light colors paint for your next car.
If you have an SUV sell it NOW! At $3 a gallon the rate of depreciation on these vehicles will increase dramatically.
[ September 03, 2005, 02:04 AM: Message edited by: jtantare ]
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