Summer is (nearly) upon us. Many of us will be spending a lot of time in the car, traveling to vacation spots, or getting the kids to and from camp. Keeping an eye on efficient fuel consumption is important for the environment, but really hits home when gas prices top $4.00.
Here are some things you can do to take the sting out of summer fill ups:
Carpool!
Tune up: Your car’s optimum tire pressure, along with timely oil changes and clean air filters will help your car run more efficiently and increase fuel economy. Keep an eye on the oxygen sensor too – a faulty sensor can impact fuel economy by up to 40%.
Drive 55: It’s not only safer, it’s much more fuel efficient. Driving faster lowers efficiency by up to 10% for every additional 5 miles.
Take the scenic route: The best route may not be the shortest one, but the one that requires the least stopping and starting, allowing for the best consistent cruising speed.
Stay cool: Hotly (!) contested, the open window v. air conditioning debate rages on, but as supported by Edmunds.com and the irrefutable logic of Mythbusters, go by this guide – below 50 mph, lower the windows, over 50 mph, use the air conditioning.
Sourced from: 1. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/the-air-out-there-an-endless-windows-vs-air-conditioning-debate/ 2. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/travel-transporation/ 3. Mythbusters episode 22, season 2004
