[h=2]Member Tips for Improving Mileage[/h][h=3]Look farther down the road.[/h][LEFT]When driving, your attention should be as far down the road as possible. This gives you more time to react to changing driving conditions. Instead of hitting the brakes when the car in front of you does, you can see the congestion farther down the road. This allows you to coast earlier and farther, saving fuel.
(Its also safer.)posted by gt40mkii on October 09, 2012
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Keep your tank above the half mark[/h][LEFT]There are several advantages to keeping your tank above half full:
1: Filling the tank doesn't cost as much per fill up.
2: It will help prevent partial tank fill ups here on Fuelly.
3: You will have plenty when/if an emergency occurs, such as getting stuck on the side of the road in winter, or having to take a trip to the hospital, etc.
Also be sure to always fill your tank the same way every time you fill up. This helps give you accurate mileage results.posted by DTMAce on February 21, 2012
this tip works for 30% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]No pen needed![/h][LEFT]Pretty much all receipts are now printed on thermal paper or carbonless paper that is so sensitive, it also reacts to the frictional heat generated by simply scoring it with your finger nail. That means, you can just scribble the odometer reading on the receipt with your fingernail or key. No pen needed!posted by gory on August 22, 2011
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Use your stats at Fuelly[/h][LEFT]Don't just use the avg fuel economy reading on the site. The best way to monitor your car is to see the full graph of fuel economy over a long period of time.
If you notice some tendency for higher fuel consumption in the mid or long run, you can take decisions and or have your car checked.
If you are trying things to get better fuel mileage, make the change and try it out consistently for varios fuelups (at least three or four) and then check against the past.
Don't just use one fuelup as a measure as even if you are careful to fill up to the same level, it's still not precise enough to guarantee you a good reading.posted by schmiedel on May 18, 2011
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Buy "LRR" Tires Next Time Around[/h][LEFT]Tire manufacturers have been meeting the demand for tires which are designed to give improved mpg over standard tires by producing new tires with a "low rolling resistance" rating. Some claim mpg improvement of 5% to 7%. Certainly your choice of tires can impact your mpg, just look for the "LRR" rating next time you buy tires. Do some research and shop around.posted by jsinton on May 15, 2011
this tip works for 66% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Replace Your PCV Valve[/h][LEFT]Especially in older cars, your positive crankcase ventilation valve will get dirty and gummed up, which can cause cause excessive fuel usage. Fortunately, the pcv valve is easy to replace and very cheap to buy for almost any car. You can test your old one by taking it off, cleaning it out with some carburetor cleaner, and blowing (or sucking, depending on the end.) If it makes a nice solid seal, then it's still good and can be reused.posted by jsinton on May 06, 2011
this tip works for 80% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Don't drive a mile to save a penny a gallon[/h][LEFT]In my morning commute, I keep an eye on gas prices if I need gas on the way home. While the cheapest gas in town is about two and a half miles further past my work, it doesn't make sense to make a special trip to save three or four cents a gallon. According to fuelly.com, my van's year round average is 19.3 mpg or 17.3 cents/mile at $3.339/gal (last fill up).
Driving five extra miles, two and a half there and back, to make a special trip for the cheapest gas would cost me 86.5 cents. Saving 86.5 cents means the cheaper gas would have to be over four cents cheaper for a 20 gallon tank. It would have to be eight cents cheaper on a 10 gallon fill up. Factor in the time saved, and it's not worth it. I only fill up at the "cheap" gas station if I'm already out and driving right past it.posted by jgibbsjr on March 27, 2011
this tip works for 98% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Turn the engine off at long red lights[/h][LEFT]You can save some gas by turning your engine off at long red lights or at drive thru's. In my commute I usually have to wait a few minutes at a specific stop light. I turn my engine off while waiting for the green light. I can tell when the light is about to turn green by watching the crosswalk sign. When the crosswalk sign starts blinking to not cross, then I restart the engine. Saves about two minutes of idling (at zero mpg!). I also turn off the engine while I'm waiting at a drive through like at my bank. Improves my gas mileage by at least 1mpg.posted by jgibbsjr on March 27, 2011
this tip works for 40% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Look ahead[/h][LEFT]Look well ahead in the traffic to predict when you might need to stop or slow down. This way you can avoid or minimise heavy braking then accelerating again.
Not only does this save a massive amount of fuel, but also reduces wear and tear and is much safer because you notice what's going around you. You drive more smoothly, not 'fighting' your way through the traffic.posted by dman on February 22, 2011
this tip works for 99% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Dont use cruise control on hills[/h][LEFT]Cruise control is good on flat roads but on hills it is much more economical to supply more power as the car requires it letting the momentum of the car do the work as much as possible. It takes some practice!posted by TeryTibbs on February 17, 2011
this tip works for 83% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Reverse Park[/h][LEFT]When you arrive home, take the time to reverse park into your garage/parking lot.
Do this while the engine is already up to temperature instead of spending time in the morning reversing and maneuvering the car out while the engine is cold and consuming more fuel.
It also helps if you're late to work and reduces the wear and tear of a cold gearbox shifting between reverse and forward.posted by BenjaminWKI on February 08, 2011
this tip works for 77% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Slack Your Speed[/h][LEFT]When driving through hilly terrain, just let your car lose its speed while keeping your right foot still. Don't worry as you'll gain all the speed back later when going downhill.
Adjust your throttle accordingly so that you don't slow down too much. It pays to also gain speed to a sufficient level before hitting the uphill so that you don't need to accelerate mid way.
Do not use cruise control at all. This system will to needlessly accelerate your car when climbing up hill to obsessively keep its set speed.posted by BenjaminWKI on February 08, 2011
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Manual Override Your Automatic Gearbox[/h][LEFT]Modern automatic gearboxes will not shift up until you've achieved a predetermined minimum speed. This is noticeable towards the last few gears.
The upside of this is that it guarantees that your engine are at the revs when it generates sufficient torque to carry you on into the higher gear without much loss in acceleration and without consuming more fuel in the process.
The downside is that the gearboxes are unable to tell when you don't need that additional torque. Like going downhill or slow cruise on a flat road, this safety program makes your engine rev higher & consume more fuel until you achieve the minimum speed before it allows the next gear change.
It will always assume the worst in that you're climbing uphill and will not shift up until its certain you're fast enough.
You can override this program for gearboxes with the steptronic/tiptronic ability. Just notch the gearbox into manual and shift up a gear and then return it to "D". If the gearbox kicks down a gear during or back into the original gear after the process, you're doing it too early and not yet at enough speed to save any fuel from this trick.
Through trial an error, you can find a speed range where you can notch up the gear to reduce revs and save a bit of fuel without having to increase speed to get the auto gearbox to finally shift.posted by BenjaminWKI on February 08, 2011
this tip works for 31% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Coasting is your friend[/h][LEFT]Coasting as far as safely possible before coming to a stop saves me more gas than anything else. Many modern engines will either cut off the flow of fuel or significantly reduce the flow of fuel to the engine if you coast longer than a couple of seconds. In addition to saving gas, losing at least 1/4 to 1/3 of your speed by coasting before coming to a stop significantly reduces wear on your brakes, keeping even more cash in your pocket.posted by Sparky12 on November 11, 2010
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Slow down on that morning commute.[/h][LEFT]Let's say that driving right at the speed limit, you can average 50mph on a 15 mile commute in to work. If you're in a rush, you go 10 over the limit. Hey, you get to work sooner, right? Well, do some simple math. At the speed limit, it'll take 18 minutes... at 10 over, it'll save you a whopping 3 minutes. That's right, you get to your desk a whole 180 seconds sooner. You'll burn much more fuel, though.
Let's not even go with what happens when you hit traffic... the danger you're causing by whipping around everyone, and the fool you look like.posted by silversx80 on October 25, 2010
this tip works for 88% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Install a Cold Air Intake[/h][LEFT]If you live in a drier climate, install a cold air intake unit to save 1 to 3 miles per gallon. This replaces the OEM air box and air filter assembly. With a CAI, cooler air is drawn in from lower in the engine compartment, so the engine does not need as much gas as compared to when it sucks in hot air from under the hood. Many car makers offer these as OEM performance parts and if installed by a dealer, won't affect your warranty.posted by slopo on October 02, 2010
this tip works for 27% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Remove snow from your car in the winter[/h][LEFT]Put a little more effort into clearing snow off of your car than just clearing the windows. It's added weight and drag and also very unsafe. Twelve inches of snow is equivalent to one inch of water. A one inch layer of water or ice weighs approximately five lb per square foot. So even a three or four inch layer of snow on your trunk, roof, and hood could be adding almost fifty pounds of extra weight. It is also much safer than letting it fall off on your drive. Large chunks can break off and strike other motorists and snow on your hood will just blow back onto your windshield.posted by MeatFarley on September 28, 2010
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Drive between the speed limit and 5 mph under[/h][LEFT]Driving at or slightly below the speed limit in suburban areas has a number of benefits. The reason I add slightly below the limit is because unless you stare at the speedometer constantly, you can't stay exactly at the limit all the time. The 5 mph range gives you room to vary your speed a bit.
The benefits? Less gas spent accelerating, less energy wasted via braking, less time spent sitting still, a more comfortable ride, easier to decide whether or not to stop on yellow and less wear on your brakes, tires, engine and drivetrain.
Sadly tailgating becomes an issue when employing this driving style. It's distracting and even a bit scary sometimes when someone is following you too closely. You can adjust your mirrors so that you can't see tailgaters directly which will allow you to concentrate more on the road ahead and remain calm. ALWAYS STAY TO THE RIGHT.posted by i90east on September 27, 2010
this tip works for 40% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Get an EZ Pass![/h][LEFT]or whatever that electronic toll-collection device is called in your area. I live in the mid-Atlantic area of the east coast of the United States, and my EZ Pass works in all the surrounding states. In anything but very light traffic on the highways, it saves me time and gas, and some aggravation too, every time I come to tollbooths. I do not have to worry about carrying small bills and coins, and I have a record of all tolls paid, since for me they are a deductible expense.posted by sexgun on August 23, 2010
this tip works for 88% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Traffic stop and go[/h][LEFT]For Auto Transmissions: When in heavy traffic, when the line moves just a little bit, don't press the accelerator. The engine will pull you along slowly. It's generally enough to keep up with the slow moving traffic.posted by projekt6 on August 15, 2010
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]You may have 2 AC units.[/h][LEFT]Do you have rear climate control in your minivan or SUV? If so, you may have a second AC unit or booster in your vehicle. Some only control the fan but others have a second air conditioning unit for the rear. When you use the separate rear one, it KILLS your fuel economy. See if it makes a difference for you, you'll know right away.
To get around this, we sometimes just use the main AC, but boost up the fan and direct it to the rear.posted by gory on July 21, 2010
this tip works for 51% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Switch off A/C when climbing a hill/flyover[/h][LEFT]Switching off the car aircon while climbing a hill or a flyover reduces that much load on the engine and thereby also improving the car fuel economy.posted by dhruvashar on July 20, 2010
this tip works for 59% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Go easy when you're stuck![/h][LEFT]When stuck in mud or snow, don't make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you're really stuck, don't keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It's always a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or kitty litter.posted by TheStig on July 13, 2010
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Don't fill up if you see the tanker![/h][LEFT]If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station's underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.posted by TheStig on July 13, 2010
this tip works for 69% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Recording your odometer reading[/h][LEFT]When I fuel up, I write my odometer reading right on the receipt, which I make sure to get. If I'm caught without a pen, I do one of several things. 1) Take a picture of the pump with my phone as suggested elsewhere. 2) Most phones have a feature to write a note and save it in the phone, or just send yourself a text message with your odometer reading. 3) Zero out your trip odometer, and when you get home, record your odometer reading and your trip meter reading and subtract your trip odometer from your odometer to arrive at your odometer reading when you filled up.posted by wirenutt on July 11, 2010
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Take a picture[/h][LEFT]I was frustrated that the gas stations are always out of receipt paper at the pump. So I am always scrampling for a notepad to avoid going in to the station. My wife said to just take a picture of the pump. Thought it was a great idea. I just snapped a photo with the phones camera of the gallons and price with one click. Saved notepad paper and receipt paper. Just an idea. Hope it works for you.posted by mexglx on July 02, 2010
this tip works for 91% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Keep you car Tuned Up![/h][LEFT]Always perform regular maintenance on your vehicle. Use synthetic engine oil (if its compatible) and change it per your vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Synthetic for most cars and trucks actually lowers the engine's turning resistance, plus it handles higher internal temperatures without breaking down as easily. In short it helps your mileage!
Also keep your transmission fluid topped and fresh! Have it and the filter changed at least every 50 thousand miles. Keep the engine and engine bay clean, your filters changed regularly, and be sure to have it tuned up/checked out every year or so!posted by DTMAce on May 10, 2010
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Passing Cars[/h][LEFT]With an automatic transmission, manually shift out of overdrive or shift down just before passing. This avoids the need to press the accelerator all the way down to 'engage' the passing gear.posted by KeithS on April 17, 2010
this tip works for 42% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]watch your Air pressure[/h][LEFT]Especially now in early spring with the temperatures rising and falling it's imperative to check your tire pressure on a regular basis. An under inflated tire will cost you more fuel and also affect handling.posted by SamTrooper on April 11, 2010
this tip works for 99% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Keep her waxed[/h][LEFT]A slippery Car cuts through the air better than a dirty one. So keep your car washed and waxed, make sure nothing is hanging underneath.posted by SamTrooper on March 27, 2010
this tip works for 34% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Switch out of defrost mode[/h][LEFT]Many of today?s vehicles turn on the A/C automatically when you turn on defroster mode, many without illuminating the A/C indicator. You may inadvertently be driving around with your A/C compressor engaged which is killing your mileage. Check it out on your vehicle!posted by integrator43 on March 01, 2010
this tip works for 88% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Consistent Filling![/h][LEFT]When filling the car always do the same thing. i.e. fill it until the pump cuts off OR fill it to the top of the neck.
I filled my wife's car & it shows poorer MPG as I fill to the top of the neck, she fills to first cut off.
Re LPG - some LPG pumps fill to a greater capacity than others, this can vary your MPG figure too.
Garethposted by gareth111278 on February 24, 2010
this tip works for 72% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Manual Transmissions - Shift at lower RPMs[/h][LEFT]For those of you who drive stick, upshifting at lower revs will use less gas; consequently, driving in a higher gear will use less than driving in a lower gear, as your revs will be lower.
Around town, I usually upshift at just above 2000 RPM; sure the engine produces less torque at lower revs, but since you're not racing around elementary schools there's no need to gun it at low speeds.
I use the rule of thumb to keep my RPMs always between 1500-2500 RPM, as I feel that's the best compromise between torque and fuel economy. Thus I'll be in fourth gear even just coasting through my neighborhood.
Note though - when you are traveling up hills, high gears will actually reduce fuel economy, as your engine has to struggle to climb the gradient with low torque. So everything I said above should apply to level grades only.posted by realgeneric on February 13, 2010
this tip works for 89% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Watch pedestrian coundown clocks.[/h][LEFT]Many communities have timers showing how long a pedestrian can cross the street before the light changes. Drivers can use this coundown and start coasting when they realize they wont make a green light.posted by yewboup1 on February 09, 2010
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Accelerate moderately[/h][LEFT]Contrary to popular opinion, the slowest acceleration is not the most efficient. Engines are more efficient at higher torque but less efficient at higher RPMs. You want to accelerate as much as possible without letting the RPMs go too high (over 2500-3000 for many engines).posted by Morgan on January 24, 2010
this tip works for 94% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Check speedo against GPS[/h][LEFT]If you are tracking your mileage using the trip meter in your car, you may find you are being short changed, on average by about 5%. If you have a GPS, do a quick check yourself, work out the difference by driving at 60mph on your GPS and compare against the speedometer in your car. Typically when doing 60mph on the GPS you will only be doing about 57mph on your speedo. So, if using the speedo to track your fuel usage, you will actually be travelling 5% more than you are tracking, making your fuel economy appear worse than it actually is.posted by bearmeister on December 24, 2009
this tip works for 49% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Walk Thru Don't Drive Thru.[/h][LEFT]Instead of getting into that long line to get your lunch and idle all the way around the restaurant, park and go inside to place your order. There have even been times I have gotten in and back out before the car at the end of the line made it through!posted by DTMAce on November 16, 2009
this tip works for 95% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Don't orbit the parking lot...[/h][LEFT]Always take the first available parking space that you find on entering the parking lot. That way you will keep the distance driven, and fuel used, to a minimum.posted by Roymondo on September 25, 2009
this tip works for 89% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Empty the Junk from the Trunk[/h][LEFT]The less weight in your car, the better the gas mileage. Do a little spring cleaning and remove everything from the trunk of your car (and everywhere else) that doesn't need to be there.posted by cpatch on September 02, 2009
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Avoid backing out[/h][LEFT]When parking in a parking lot, look for a space where you can pull through so you'll be able to start up and pull away without backing up. It's not only safer, but it's more fuel efficient compared to the 20+ second maneuvering it usually takes when backing out of a space.posted by perrysan on August 26, 2009
this tip works for 66% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Long Trip First[/h][LEFT]When making a trip with multiple stops, such as running errands, start by making the longest leg of your trip first. This helps to get the engine up to its operating temperature before you turn it off for your first stop. Your engine will run more efficiently, put out lower emissions and start easier once it's up to operating temperature.posted by alanfasick on July 21, 2009
this tip works for 95% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Practice carpooling[/h][LEFT]Forget MPG and use MPPG!! Share your car with your work's friends. Consider the fuel economy by 'Miles * carried People Per Gallon' not only by MPG. A car is more efficient when there is 5 peoples on board! Stop driving alone if possible.posted by domcars0 on July 09, 2009
this tip works for 67% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]The right vehicle for each task[/h][LEFT]If you have a large vehicle for hauling passengers and/or cargo, consider getting a smaller one such as a scooter for going places where you just need to transport yourself and some small items. A scooter can get 100mpg, which will go along way toward paying for it in the long run (more quickly than a new hybrid). Plus it's a more fun way to go places.posted by tverbeek on June 11, 2009
this tip works for 81% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]To Coast in Neutral or Not...[/h][LEFT]Coasting to a stop in neutral with a modern manual (and in some instances automatic) transmission might not actually save you as much gas as keeping it in gear. Many modern engine management systems sense deceleration and negative load while the car is in gear and cut off fuel from the injectors, allowing the turning drive shaft to keep the engine going. Shifting into neutral while decelerating means the system has to keep the engine running with gas.posted by Zahnarzt on June 06, 2009
this tip works for 84% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Combine Trips[/h][LEFT]Combine trips when possible. Go to the store on your way home from work. Get gas when you pick the kids up from school. A vehicle is most efficient when fully warmed up.posted by bowtieguy on May 11, 2009
this tip works for 98% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Know Your Route[/h][LEFT]I use a simple GPS that I bought for only $99. Whenever I am unfamiliar with the route, I plug in the address to avoid getting lost and waisting miles. It also works great for finding food and fuel stops along the route of your trip.posted by parkave98 on March 08, 2009
this tip works for 92% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Consider a Diesel[/h][LEFT]When looking for a new car, do your homework and research today's new diesel cars. Diesels have been reborn with clean, quiet engines that have low carbon footprints and meet today's toughest standards for exhaust emissions. Diesels offer 30 to 40 % better fuel economy than equivalent size gas engines, and have loads of torque making them fun to drive. Clean, fun and efficient, and worth a look.
posted by coolbreeze on February 26, 2009
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Check the pressure in your spare too.[/h][LEFT]When you check the pressure in your tires don't forget to check the pressure in your spare. Many people are dilligent about checking the pressure in their tires, but neglect the spare when checking the pressure and adding air in tires that need it. Remember that the spare is a pneumatic tire also and will bleed down over time. The time to find a low spare is when you don't need it, not when you are trying to change a tire on the side of the road somewhere and need it to be full to get you home.
posted by bates on February 08, 2009
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Cruise Control not always better[/h][LEFT]On flat or constant grades, the cruise works best for MPG. hover on constantly changing grades the cruise is regularly changing throttle position to maintain a constant speed. In other words it is accelerating and coasting regularly.... you may notice the automatic transmission will up and down shift depending on the vehicle. depending on how advanced the cruise setup is it may increase gradually or more commonly go to an all or none setting to resume speed. like putting your foot to the floor.. It is doing the all or none If you have used the resume button after braking from cruise say to slow down by 10 mph and the car downshifts and takes off like its floored to get back to cruising speed... You do better by gradually accelerating back to your cruising speed then pressing resume... Non electronic cruises that are cable controlled will surge and often exceed the cruise speed then settle back to the preset speed. This is caused by a streched and out of adjustment cruise cable.. most are easily adjusted and will result in a smoother cruise with less surgingposted by soutthpaw on February 01, 2009
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Buy the proper octane for your vehicle[/h][LEFT]Contrary to popular belief more octane doesn't make your engine perform better nor is the gasoline any cleaner than lower octane ratings. Octane is a burn retardant, that means that it slows down the rate of combustion (burning) for gasoline. Octane ratings higher than those required by your engine actually decrease performance, albeit very slightly and probably imperceptively at that, so buying higher octane ratings than needed just wastes money. As engines wear and tire out you may need a higher octane rating to control detonation, my last car wouldn't climb the mountains on 87 after about 100,000 miles and needed 89 - 91 to keep from pinging, but around town it did just fine on 87 octane up until I had it rebuilt at 195,000 miles.
I am not reccomending violating your owner's manual requirements, if your owners manual says to use mid grade or high test then by all means do it, don't jeopordize your warranty to save a few cents per gallon, but if you're adding high test because you think it is better gas and your manual doesn't suggest or require it, then you should revisit this logic.posted by bates on January 04, 2009
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Watch That Speed Limit![/h][LEFT]Every vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed, but gas mileage usually decreases quite rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. In fact, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas! And, let's face it, observing the speed limit is also safer, too!posted by TheStig on January 04, 2009
this tip works for 82% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Stay Calm, Save Gas![/h][LEFT]Aggressive driving maneuvers like speeding, rapid accelerations and hard braking, can really waste your gas. In fact, it can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, too, so you may save more than just gas money.posted by TheStig on January 04, 2009
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Turns Without Braking[/h][LEFT]Note: Safety First! Careful Practice Is Advisable! Results Will Vary Depending on Your Vehicle's Center of Gravity, Handling, etc.
You can take turns at around 20mph without having to apply the brakes & slow momentum. Even up to 90-degree or cloverleaf turns are manageable in my car. So, if you coast slowly to an intersection & aren't impeding traffic, and you have right-of-way, there's no need to brake before entering the turn. Plus, coming out of the turn, centripetal forces assist you in re-accelerating to proper speed.
As a further note, if you're approaching too fast to no-brake the turn/curve, be sure to brake down to the proper mph-range for your vehicle PRIOR to entering the turn, so you can still take advantage of momentum to accelerate coming out of it.posted by cee on January 03, 2009
this tip works for 77% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Start your car efficiently[/h][LEFT]Don't push the accelerator when you start a modern vehicle. It is unnecessary, wastes fuel, and is hard on your engine. Back in the day of carbureted cars you had to floor the pedal once or twice before cranking your engine to engage the choke and then often had to add a little throttle to get the engine to catch and stay running. Todays modern fuel injected engines don't need either of these things, in fact they should be started without touching the accelerator pedal. When the engine is first started the oil is all in the pan, starting the engine with the gas down will cause engine parts to wear unnecessarily, shortens the life of your starter, and wastes fuel.posted by bates on January 02, 2009
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Reverse Without Gas[/h][LEFT]For auto-transmissions, you don't need to press the pedal to move if you're in Reverse gear. The engine torque (?) will move you, unless you're sitting on an inhospitable incline (which should be avoided, too).
Basically, don't touch the gas pedal if you are reversing. The engine will move your vehicle naturally & pushing the accel pedal is just a waste. No one accelerates in reverse (except in the movies) for any good purpose.
posted by cee on December 27, 2008
this tip works for 64% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Apropriate Engine Oil[/h][LEFT]Using engine oil with the correct specifications and suitable for the car and the weather outside is very useful for fuel economy and it maintains the vehicle in the best state. It also gives additional horse power!!posted by drmood on December 20, 2008
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Leave a Buffer[/h][LEFT]Following other cars closely means you have no choice but to brake when they brake (for example, a car in front of them slows to make a turn). Leave several car lengths ahead of you, and use that space to smooth out your cruising speed.posted by knave on December 18, 2008
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Leave Early[/h][LEFT]Leave early for your trip or commute, general rule is 1 minute per mile of travel. What this will do, is to remove the urgency to get through that light that is turning red anyway, and remove the pressure of being late.
This will save fuel because you will naturally drive more "mellow", and thus drive more efficiently. There is an added benefit from this, reducing commuter stress and road rage. On a long trip, this will give you time for a nice lunch, or longer rest at a stop you may like.posted by Dragon64Leo on December 04, 2008
this tip works for 91% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Don't Look Back![/h][LEFT]Consider parking at a store in the double parking slots. This works only when both slots are available. Enter as you normally would into the chosen space, but continue on to the other side so the front of the car is facing the parking lane.
This eliminates two times of accelerating (once to back up, and once to start up again forward), by simply being able to pull out forward.
Sure, you might have to park farther out, but I usually do that anyway to avoid unwanted door dings, and I get a little more physical activity in my day. Hope this helps!posted by cemnei on November 13, 2008
this tip works for 84% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Get Ready to Drive Before Starting the Engine[/h][LEFT]Before I start my cars engines, I make sure I am ready to drive. I adjust the seat if necessary, make sure any items I have with me are secure, fasten my seat belt, adjust the mirror, adjust the tilt steering, put on my sun glasses if necessary and do anything else that needs doing. It may only take 20 or 30 seconds to do these things but it you start the engine first, that means 20 or 30 seconds of letting the engine wastefully idle.posted by spacetime on November 09, 2008
this tip works for 70% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Coast![/h][LEFT]This works well on manual transmissions. When you know you'll be slowing, i.e. you can see the light well ahead turn yellow, just take your foot off the gas, shift into neutral and gently coast on until you need to stop. There's no sense speeding to a stop light and wasting perfectly good momentum in the process. Odds are the light may even turn green again by the time you get to it.
Similarly, when cresting a hill, so long as the road ahead is safely clear, let gravity do the work instead of your engine. When slowing while going up a hill, again, let gravity do the work.posted by Jabber on September 19, 2008
this tip works for 56% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Get a jump on the Holiday[/h][LEFT]Generally speaking, holidays (especially 3 or 4-day weekends) mean a higher than usual demand at the pump. Higher demand = higher prices. So don't wait until the holiday and fill up a day or two before.posted by joeperez4 on September 14, 2008
this tip works for 86% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Remove Roof Racks[/h][LEFT]If you can remove your roof rack, do so if you're not going to be using it, even for a week. The extra wind resistance reduces your MPG.posted by bruzie on August 27, 2008
this tip works for 88% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]New Tires? Look for LRR rated.[/h][LEFT]If you are replacing your tires anytime soon you should look for tires that are designated as Low Rolling Resistance (LRR). LRR can help improve your fuel economy by 2-4%. Be advised though, LRR tires may be hard to find. Look for Michelin MXV4+ or Goodyear Viva2.posted by modysy on August 25, 2008
this tip works for 63% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Use Gas Tracking Sites to Spot Gas Deals[/h][LEFT]Sites like gasbuddy.com depend on their users to submit current gas prices to the main site for everyone to see. It's a good idea to compare prices before ever having to leave your house.posted by Nettle on August 24, 2008
this tip works for 77% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Inflate More Than You Think[/h][LEFT]You can safely inflate your tires, in most cases, to a higher pressure. For example, my minivan manual says to inflate to 35psi, but the max pressure on the tire sidewall is 44 psi. I find I can run at 40psi without making the ride too harsh, and I've picked up a couple of MPG. Your mileage (and comfort level) may vary. Never exceed the cold inflation pressure embossed on your tire sidewall.posted by b3n on August 23, 2008
this tip works for 59% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Modern cars warm up faster[/h][LEFT]Modern lubricants flow well in cold weather, and do their job better than their previous formulas. Modern engines are also made to much tighter tolerances. Fuel injection has eliminated the choke and the need for a warm manifold.
You'll get better mileage if you only warm up the car for 30 seconds or so. The car will warm up faster with gentle driving for 5-10 minutes than it would idling for the same amount of time. Gentle driving will also warm up your brakes, preventing warped rotors, etc. that can be caused by an abrupt stop with cold brakes.posted by chuckbalog on August 17, 2008
this tip works for 93% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]50/50 Rule[/h][LEFT]As the television show Mythbusters has proven?when traveling under 50 MPH it is more fuel-efficient to leave your windows down and your AC off. When traveling over 50 MPH it is more fuel-efficient to have your AC on and your Windows up.posted by TikiTantrum on August 10, 2008
this tip works for 90% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Why charge a red light?[/h][LEFT]Look ahead, if you see a light is red just coast. You're not getting through the intersection until the light turns green anyway so why rush?
You save the gas you didn't use to speed the car up to charge the red light, AND improve the chance that the light will turn green while you're still rolling. If you're still rolling when traffic moves you've saved the gas you would have used to get to that speed too!
Also, less accelerating and braking will make for a more comfortable ride for your passengers.posted by hudson on August 09, 2008
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Cup of Coffee on Dashboard[/h][LEFT]Pretend you have a cup of hot coffee on the dashboard. Accelerate and decelerate in a manner that would not make the cup of coffee spill. That is the way you can improve your MPGs.posted by pvertes on August 09, 2008
this tip works for 84% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Feel the Breeze[/h][LEFT]If it's a nice day outside, roll the windows down a little. Your A/C compressor eats away at your gas. In Texas, I noticed 7 mpg difference between the summer months and the spring/fall months as I was not using my AC during the fall or spring.posted by JC on August 09, 2008
this tip works for 81% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Watch Your RPM's[/h][LEFT]Despite common belief speed is not really connected to MPG. The Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) of your car's engine is what really matters.
If your car has a Tachometer watch your RPM's, keeping them low will use less fuel. Depending on the gearing of your transmission is what determines how fast you travel at a certain RPM.posted by TikiTantrum on August 08, 2008
this tip works for 67% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Accelerate a bit...sometimes[/h][LEFT]Though some people will tell you never to accelerate quickly, sometimes it's better to have a bit of a lead foot. Seriously. There are two main reasons for this.
First: your engine likely operates at a higher efficiency (i.e. burns more fuel that would otherwise be wasted by your catalytic converter and just go out your exhaust) at around 80% acceleration.
Second: Your car gets better MPG at higher speeds up to about 55-65 mph depending on your car. So as long as there aren't too many red lights ahead of you, it's best to get your car to the maximum legal speed as soon as possible.posted by jjmatt33 on August 08, 2008
this tip works for 51% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Walk the line[/h][LEFT]Go inside rather than use the drivethrough. If you idle for more than 10 seconds, you're using more gas than needed for restarting your car.posted by bonehead on August 08, 2008
this tip works for 90% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Pump You Up[/h][LEFT]Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Low tires mean more surface area, and therefore more friction, which translates to higher fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure while your car is refueling. If you need more air, pump up while you are there!posted by terrapin on August 07, 2008
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Stopped? Turn off your engine[/h][LEFT]If you're going to be sitting in your car with the engine running for more than 30 seconds or so, it saves fuel (which would be zero mpg at a standstill) to turn the engine off. Hybrids are famous for this, and it's a bit trickier to do in a regular car, but if you're at a long light, or waiting in a long line of cars, it does decrease fuel usage to simply turn off your car's engine.posted by mathowie on August 01, 2008
this tip works for 70% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Use Cruise Control Often[/h][LEFT]On steady flat roads (especially at higher speeds), cruise control can save a lot of fuel by limiting accelerations and generally resulting in a smoother, more efficient trip.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 82% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Keep Your Distance in Traffic[/h][LEFT]When driving in stop and go traffic, try to keep a couple car-lengths of distance in front of you to minimize the chances of having to come to a complete stop (which requires you to start again, using more fuel). By maintaining some distance and a steady very slow speed, you can carry your momentum through traffic and save fuel.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Don't drive[/h][LEFT]It's obvious of course, but a great way to save fuel on all the short errand trips you do from home is to either walk, ride a bike, or at the very least cluster your errands into fewer trips. Riding/walking will also keep you healthy as well as save money and fuel.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 77% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Keep Filters Clean[/h][LEFT]Changing your oil filter and air filters as recommended is a good way to keep your engine running more efficiently and saving more fuel. Oil changes are common but you might forget to change the air filter often enough. Try it and you may see an increase in power and gas mileage if it's been a while.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Kill the Jackrabbit[/h][LEFT]Punching the gas from a stop (aka "jackrabbit starts") is a great way to waste fuel. You can optimize gas by starting from a stop slowly and gradually. Generally, drive as if you are taking a baby home from the hospital -- smooth, slow, and careful, to save the most fuel possible.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 87% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Slow it down[/h][LEFT]As much as I love to drive fast, it's a fact that you're on the freeway and you are driving beyond 65mph, your fuel economy will go down. As much as I like getting home faster by driving 80mph, going 55mph saves several mpg.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 92% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Save weight, save fuel[/h][LEFT]Don't leave heavy items you don't need in your car's trunk or truck bed. Put away tools, golf clubs, skis, whatever and watch your mileage go up. I noticed my car lost 2-3mpg when fully loaded on a long car trip, and returned to normal when emptied.posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
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[h=3]Keep Tires Properly Inflated[/h][LEFT]You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. (from fueleconomy.gov.)posted by pb on July 25, 2008
this tip works for 99% of voting Fuelly members.
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