Getting Better Gas Mileage

When I was a teenager, “gas money” was a big deal. I really liked to drive a lot and go places, so it was important to get as much out of a gallon of gas as I could. My first car was a used red ’75 Firebird. It was essentially an armored tank with a big dent and disintegrating floors. Not surprisingly, I received my first speeding ticket in this car. It had a 350cc V8 engine and handled exceptionally well, even in the snow, thanks to its Posi-Trac system. Despite its weight, I still managed to get nearly 25 miles to the gallon out of it.

By trying to get good gas mileage out of this beast, I learned a lot about fuel conservation. I noticed that keeping my speed down not only saved money in traffic tickets, but it also increased the miles I could drive on a tank of gas. Also, despite the rocket-like acceleration that this car was capable of, it was much more economical to proceed from a stop at a more relaxed pace, allowing my speed to gradually build as I eased my foot down on the gas pedal. I also learned to look ahead and adjust my driving accordingly. For example, as I neared the crest of a hill, I eased off the accelerator, as momentum would carry me up and over the top. There’s no need to put the hammer down when you are getting a gravity-assist! Also, when an upcoming traffic light has been green for a while, is red or is turning yellow, it’s time to ease up a little. Getting there faster only causes you to wait longer for the light to turn. Also, if it does happen to go green, you might not have to come to a stop at all, saving you an enormous amount of fuel. It takes a lot more energy to get your car going from a standing stop than it does to accelerate after you are moving. You also save wear and tear on your brakes. If you can choose an alternate route that has less traffic, stop signs and stoplights, you’ll not only save time, but money, as well — even if it is a slightly longer route. These driving tips not only can save you money, but also make you a safer driver; aggressive driving wrecks your mileage and is dangerous, too. “Safety First” is a good rule — it doesn’t matter how good your gas mileage is if you don’t make it to your destination.

Car maintenance is another factor in getting more miles to the gallon. Doing lots of simple things correctly can help boost your MPG. For example, make sure you use the proper oil weight that is recommended for your car. I prefer synthetic oil, but you can use what works best for you. Also, your tires are key to getting better mileage. Keeping them properly inflated makes common sense (check with your service professional to determine your optimal tire pressure) … imagine a perfect circle rolling across a table top. Now picture a partially deflated circle and it’s easy to see how much more energy it would take to get that second object moving. There are tire brands that claim to give you better mileage, but I can’t confirm whether it’s true or not. You should think about rotating your tires and having them checked every time you change your oil — properly balanced tires that wear evenly are important in maximizing your gas mileage.

I’ve long ago retired that Firebird, and have been hooked on Hondas since a dealer talked me into one back in the mid-80’s. Getting good mileage is still important to me, and I continue to drive 400-500 miles between fill-ups in my twelve-year old Accord. I attribute much of that to fuel-conscious driving habits, good tires, timely oil changes and regular maintenance by the service department at the local Honda dealership, who has done a wonderful job of keeping my old steed running for nearly half a million miles

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