Fuel Conservation Tips

Fuel Conservation Tips
By Anne Clarke

Even if you do not consider yourself an environmentalist, a little fuel conservation can really help not just the environment, but also your wallet! The price of petrol seems to always be on the rise. The best defense against rising gas prices is fuel conservation.

Map out a good plan of fuel conservation by following these helpful ways to conserve fuel:

Great fuel conservation starts before you even hit the road:

· Keep your vehicle properly tuned, and it can get from 6 to 20 percent better gas mileage.

· Keep your tires aligned and inflated properly. You should check your tire pressure once a month. Having tire pressures that are too low can increase your use of fuel by 3%

· Replace your air filter.

· If you are not using your roof-racks, take them off! They add to drag. Unnecessary weight in your car can also take away from good gas mileage (this does not mean that you can throw your sister out of the car to conserve fuel… although, it would help!)

· Another way to start good fuel conservation is to plan ahead. Combine your errands into one trip. Think about riding your bike, walking, riding the bus, or carpooling when possible and reasonable.

Fuel conservation can greatly be improved while you are driving or at the pump:

· Slow down! There is a reason why you coast to a gas station when your vehicle is on empty – you are not going to get to a gas station faster by driving faster when the faster you drive the more gas you use! In simpler terms, your fuel usage will greatly decrease when you are driving at speeds above 55 mph. Besides, you will have a safer drive when you slow down, too.