Most everyone has heard one or two “old wives’ tales” about how to get more gas mileage out of your car, but the folks at Global Stewards have come up with a good list of practical tips on how to really get more kilometers to the litre (or, in American English, miles to the gallon). Here are some highlights:
- Use multi-grade, energy conserving (EC) motor oil to improve fuel efficiency 1 to 2 percent or buy re-refined oil to support recycling of oil.
- Purchase the lowest viscosity oil recommended by your car’s manual. Change your oil every 3,000 miles. Recycle your used motor oil and oil filters at an approved collection center.
- Keep your tires inflated at the maximum recommended pressure (check once a month) and properly aligned (get your alignment checked every 5,000 miles)
- If you drive a car with a manual transmission, upshift at the lowest speed possible to reduce fuel consumption.
- And my favorite: Avoid carrying unnecessary, heavy items around in your car. On trips, avoid using roof-racks, car-top packs or towing a trailer if at all possible. (Finally – a real reason to clean out the trunk of your car! It saves money!)
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.