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The Fuel Economy Check List
By Tim Joseph
Nempimania: An obsession with getting the best fuel economy possible.
If you're really feeling it at the pump and enjoy reading about fuel economy then quite possibly you have Nempimania. I know I do. I talk to a lot of people about trading their car for one that's more fuel efficient or how to track their fuel economy. I also preach the need for Nitrogen filled tires and how to calculate that savings. I'm going to show you how you can make simple changes in your driving habits and save big money. Imagine if everyone reduced their fuel usage by just 20%. The demand would fall, the price per barrel would fall and eventually the price at the pump would fall as well. Like so many other people, I became obsessed with fuel economy last summer. I cut my gas costs in half just by using these techniques.
Observe The Speed Limit - Every 5 mph you drive over 60 costs you $0.20 per gallon for gas. I drive 60 mph on the highway. Most people just pass me, some honk but I just laugh at them when I'm at the gas station.
Remove Excess Weight - This affects smaller vehicles more than large vehicles but the general rule of thumb is that every extra 100 pounds in your vehicle costs you 2%. It also may be a good time to start running. That extra 100 you lose will save your life and your wallet. At $4/gallon this costs you $0.08 per gallon.
Avoid Excessive Idling - You get 0 mpg when you idle. When the light turns green don't just sit there! Use Cruise Control - It helps you maintain a constant speed and will save you gas. Be careful not to use it in the city where you may be tempted to run red lights.
Use Overdrive Gears - If you have an automatic transmission, make sure you use the over drive gear.
Check and Replace Air Filters - Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your gas mileage by 10%. This is a biggie. Your engine has to be able to breathe!
Keep Tires Properly Inflated - 1 psi drop costs you 0.4% and it can add up quickly. Remember the Nitrogen!
Keep Your Oil Changed - Not only will it make your engine run longer but it'll save you at the pump. I knew a girl in high school who never changed her oil. Gas was 97 cents per gallon and her dad bought the car. Times have changed and in the end this can cost you a lot more than just gas money.
Don't Follow Too Close - Tail gating is not only illegal and dangerous but it costs you a lot of money. The more you hit your brakes and then hit your gas the more it costs you. This is probably the #1 fuel economy killer. This is the first habbit you need to change.
Keep That Car In Tune
I started playing clarinet when I was in fourth grade. I remember the excitement the day I got home and decided to try it out. I sounded like a Canadian goose that was on his death bed. Your car will react the same way if you don't tune it. Most people don't know the warning signs.
You've had your car for a while now and it has been good to you. Runs well, starts every time, and gets good gas mileage. Suddenly it seems like it is running rough or isn't getting the mileage it once did. It may be time for a tune up. Not tuning up your vehicle when it needs it will cost you in 4% in fuel efficiency. Other symptoms can be black smoke, rough idle, not easy to start when it is warm, or has poor acceleration and hesitation. Typically these things are caused when the spark plugs need to be changed and the fuel injectors need to be cleaned. If you think you're in need of a tune up, have it checked.
Tim Joseph
Writer and Nempimaniac
Visit the websites above for more fuel saver tips!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Joseph
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