Save Fuel Solar Power Energy Generation Guide
Save Fuel With Better Driving Tips
By James J Dixon
A class of drivers called "hypermilers" will
go to extraordinary lengths to save fuel. They’ll cut
off their engines while coasting downhill on the highway.
They’ll drive 20 miles per hour in a 35 zone.
They’ll duck behind tractor trailers to block
their wind resistance. They’ll spend hours making
a review of their options and calculating the most fuel
efficient routes for all their trips. Not all of these
practices are recommended or even legal, however. The
Federal Trade Commission has put out a list of practical
things you can do -- legally and safely -- to improve
your fuel economy.
The FTC recommends driving more efficiently on the
road to save gas. It’s important to stay within the
posted speed limits, not just for fuel economy, but
for your safety too. Experts say that your MPG significantly
decreases at any speed above 60 miles per hour.
Drive Less Aggressively To Save Fuel
While some American highways are posted at 65 to 75,
you can usually get away with driving 60, so long as
you are safely cruising in the right hand lane. Another
tip is to drive less aggressively.
While it’s tempting to step on the gas and speed ahead
to the next light, you’re losing up to 5% of your fuel
efficiency this way. For increased gas mileage, the
FTC recommends anticipating the traffic conditions ahead,
easing off the gas when you see stops up ahead and cruising
to the lights.
Idling Wastes Fuel And Pollutes The Air
"Idling unnecessarily wastes fuel, costs you money
and pollutes the air," the consumer advocacy website
says. Turn off your engine whenever you predict a wait
of more than a minute.
It may seem impossible to save fuel while running errands
all around town, but the FTC says you’re better off
taking one longer trip while your engine is warmed up,
versus several short trips from a cold start.
Cruise Control For Longer Trips
In fact, combining your trips can save you twice as
much fuel covering the same distance! On longer journeys,
you can improve your MPG by using your cruise control
on the highway to gradually accelerate and maintain
a steady speed. If you don’t need that bike rack, a
roof rack or excess items in the trunk, remove them!
You can save 2% of your gas emptying out the trunk
and up to 5% of your gas by removing items from the
top of your car (which is creating added wind resistance
and decreasing your fuel economy).
Liquid Blend Enhancers, Fuel Line Magnets And Other Gizmos
The FTC warns consumers to be skeptical of gadgets
that advertise the ability to save fuel. For instance,
the EPA has tested more than 100 devices that promise
to "boost your mileage by an extra 6 MPG"
or "improve your fuel economy up to
26 percent."
These devices include liquid blend enhancers, fuel
line magnets and other gizmos. They found that many
of these devices actually increased exhaust emissions
or even damaged the car’s engine. For more information
on the specific gas saving devices evaluated, visit
www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/reports.htm.
About the Author:
James J Dixon has written a number of articles on Hypermiling and Recycling including
Hypermiling Hybrid,
Hypermiling To Save Gas,
Hypermiling Your Car,
Waste Water,
Disposal Of Plastics.
Look out for new articles as they become available on this site.
Little Known Hypermiling Facts.....
What organization is in charge of safety when it comes
to hypermiling?
The very practice of hypermiling
really began to take blows from people in the automotive
industry, law and even hypermilers, themselves.
Far too many people were joining
organizations that promoted extreme methods that were
dangerous and very illegal. Hypermilers came together
in 2008 to form the Hypermiling Safety Foundation.
The whole purpose of the organization
is to promote public awareness of this practice and
to encourage people to use legal fuel-saving methods.
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