Saving on Vehicle Fuel Costs

With higher prices at the pumps, there are ways to lower gas expenses

North Dakota Extension Service 

With the rising price of gasoline, people are looking for ways to make their vehicles more efficient. How you drive and maintain a vehicle can affect fuel usage.

Higher prices at the gasoline pump are focusing renewed attention on how to make a vehicle more efficient. The North Dakota State Extension Service says there are a few simple things you can do to save a few dollars on the fuel budget.

How you drive and maintain your vehicle can affect gasoline consumption. All vehicles are different, but there are a few basics that work for all types of cars and trucks.

Make sure your air filter is clean. Clogged filters make your engine work harder, burning more fuel to create the same amount of power. Replacing a clogged air filter can save up to 10 percent on fuel costs.

Check the air pressure in your tires. Tires that are not inflated to the proper level may reduce mileage per gallon by as much as 3 percent.

Slow down. Most vehicle mileage efficiency begins to drop off at speeds in excess of 60 mph.

Calm down. Aggressive driving, rapid acceleration and braking can affect fuel mileage. By avoiding such behavior, you can see savings up to 30 percent.

Remove extra weight. Those bags of traction sand you left in the bed of the trunk or truck or other unnecessary items are reducing your mileage. Extra weight will affect smaller cars more than larger cars. Removing extra weight, especially in excess of 100 pounds, can improve your vehicle’s efficiency.

Pool with other drivers. Combining trips with friends, family, or co-workers not only saves gas money, but also wear and tear on your vehicles.

Be leery of “gas savings” product claims. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has tested more than 100 fuel-saving products and has found that none of them significantly improves gas mileage.

Maintain the vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Driving a car with the engine light on or one that obviously is not running properly can affect mileage drastically. An improper functioning oxygen sensor, for example, can make the engine use as much as 40 percent more fuel.

Reduce wind resistance. A loaded roof rack increases fuel consumption.

For more information on saving at the gas pump, check this U.S. Department of Energy Web Site: www.fueleconomy.gov.