With inflated fuel prices everyone is seeking ways to get better fuel mileage in order to defray the cost of fuel. Most believe the only way to reserve fuel is to decrease your driving needs. However, while it is effective to decrease driving needs, it isn’t the only way to help get better gas mileage. With proper driver techniques and fuel awareness, you can save fuel. Citywide Towing will share a few ways you can conserve fuel while on the road.

Is it Better to Idle or Turn off Engine?

One way to help conserve gas is to avoid idling for too long a period of time. It is said that is takes a lot of fuel to start a vehicle and it is better to leave a vehicle idling. This is true for only about 30 seconds. If you’re going to be sitting and idling in your vehicle for over 30 seconds, then you are wasting fuel. About 30 seconds of idling is the same amount of fuel to start your vehicle. If you know you’re waiting on something or someone for longer than 30 seconds, turn your vehicle off and you will save fuel.

Tire Pressure & Fuel Economy

Tires play another vital role in the proper operation of your vehicle. Many are surprised to learn that it can also affect their fuel. Driving around with tires that are under pressure or deflated make more contact with the road and puts added strain on your vehicle. Driving with under-inflated tires can add up to 25% in your fuel consumption. It is important to regularly check your vehicle’s tires and their pressure to maintain fuel efficiency.

Weight of Car & Fuel Consumption Correlation

Weight plays another role in fuel consumption. The more weight your vehicle has to carry, the harder the engine has to work. This leads to more fuel used. For every 250 pounds of weight your vehicle is carrying, you lose one gallon per mile. Therefore, depending on the nature of your job or your typical carry load, you will add to your fuel consumption. Remove all unnecessary weight to help reduce fuel cost.

How Does the Speed at Which You Drive Impact Your Fuel Economy?

Speeding is another major problem. For those who love to drive fast they are necessarily using more fuel than they need to. The main problem with driving fast is the constant accelerating and braking. When you frequently accelerate and then you need to stop, this is horrible on your fuel economy. It is also an unnecessary strain on your engine which forces the use of more fuel. To help reserve fuel, avoid accelerating as if you’re racing for the Indy 500, followed by the need to suddenly brake. Instead, attempt to maintain a smooth and constant speed.

Avoid Road Rage

Road rage provokes the similar need to smash on the gas. Sometimes we feel the need to speed or run up another driver when they have upset you. One this is an endangerment to you and everyone around, and two, it adds unneeded stress which is not healthy. In addition, it is not helping your gas mileage.

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For those who want to save on fuel and the cost of filling their tank, remember to use these proper driver techniques and fuel awareness tips. Citywide Towing provide roadside assistance along with refueling, or towing needs. If you’re having a vehicular emergency, contact Citywide Towing today.