With the recent turmoil in the Middle East, we are hit again with aggressive fuel charges. The reality is fuel prices will continue to go up and down, and they will continue to rise. What do you do?
Fuel efficiency needs to come from all ends – manufacturers, dealers and drivers. Honda has been committed to fuel efficiency much longer than most manufacturers. Honda has been named the “Greenest Car Maker” in the U.S. for the past five years.
Everyone is not ready to go to a hybrid, so as a driver what can you do to support your wallet and the planet at the same time?
Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use and getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver.
• Drive more efficiently
• Keep your car in shape• Plan and combine trips
• Choose a more efficient vehicleDRIVE MORE EFFICIENTLYDrive SensiblyAggressive driving (speedi
ng, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Observe the Speed LimitWhile each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.
Remove Excess WeightAvoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Avoid Excessive IdlingIdling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.
Use Cruise ControlUsing cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.
Use Overdrive GearsWhen you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.
KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE
Keep Your Engine Properly TunedFixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can impro
ve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Keep Tires Properly InflatedYou can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor OilYou can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS
Commuting- Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
- Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
- Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.plan-car-trips
Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel ec
onomy.
Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.
TravelingA roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.
Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
CHOOSE A MORE EFFICIENT VEHICLEBelow is a list of all the new Honda vehicles that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, cross the magical 30 miles per gallon mark in highway driving.2011-Honda-corolla-image
Honda focuses on fuel efficiency on all its models. Stop by today and we can show you the model that fits your needs for power, performance and fuel efficiency. In addition, we can always help you get the
performance and efficiency out of your current Honda. We are your resource for expertise, advice and insight into getting the most out of your Honda.
Your fuel-efficient focused friends at
Honda Mall of Georgia
