Executive Auto Group

The best way to increase your fuel efficiency is to change your motoring habits. The four categories below list some effective methods of increasing your overall Miles per Gallon.

ENGINE WARM-UP

• Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
• Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the same amount of fuel as starting the engine.
• Avoid "revving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
• Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY GASOLINE

• Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".
• Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.
• Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY

• Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.
• Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage compared to 65 mph and 70 mph.
• Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.
• Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
• Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.
• Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

GENERAL ADVICE

• Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.
• Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel robs you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
• Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, and straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping require extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.
• Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.
• Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
• Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
• Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.
• Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
• Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!
• Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.
• Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
  
• Auto air conditioners can reduce your fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

The Dollars & Cents of Recommended Maintenance...

Make sure your air filter is in good condition

Estimated savings = $0.37 per gallon

Don't drive at excessive speeds

Estimated savings = $0.26 - $0.86 per gallon

Use the recommended motor oil for your engine

Estimated savings = $0.04 - $0.07 per gallon

Get your car's spark plugs checked

Estimated savings total  tune-up = $0.15 per gallon

Inflate your tires properly (use maximum recommended pressure)

Estimated savings = $0.11 per gallon

TOTAL ESTIMATED SAVINGS = $0.93 - $1.56 / gallon


12 Winter Driving Tips

#1 Be Prepared.
You have to get ready for what you may encounter.  

•  Proper clothing (loose layers, extra gloves, rain gear)
• A flashlight in the glove box
• A blanket, food, and water
• A bag of sand or salt and extra washer fluid
• A windshield scraper
• Jumper cables
• Tire chains or traction mats
• Have at least a half tank of gas at all times during the winter season
• Plan long trips carefully - what weather conditions may you encounter?
  

#2 Complete a Pre-Trip Inspection.
 Do a visual, hands-on inspection and check all important items, including :

•  Tires 
•  Wiper blade   
•  Fluid 
•  Lights 
•  Spare Tire  - make sure it has air in it  

 You should check your vehicle often. And be sure to have a mechanic check it at the start of the winter season.

#3 Slow down.
Many accidents occur during this time of year because drivers are going too fast for conditions. A slower speed gives you more time to react if something occurs. Extra patience and care for other drivers can go a long way this time of year.

#4 Give yourself extra space.
Allow for more room between yourself and other vehicles. You should always have enough space and time to move out of harm's way.

#5 Hold your steering wheel firmly.
Sudden, sharp moves can quickly cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Stay steady through ruts in the road, heavy wind, and on ice.

#6 Brake and accelerate lightly.
Try not to do anything forcefully in bad weather. When you need to slow down quickly in slippery conditions, try lightly pumping your brakes. This reduces your chance of locking your tires and spinning out of control.

If your vehicle has ABS brakes, it is recommended that you hold the brake down as far as possible in an emergency. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking enabling you to steer around obstacles.

#7 Watch for black ice.
This is a very dangerous condition. Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when the temperature is around the freezing point. It sometimes makes the road look slightly wet. This can sneak up on you so, when the temperature gets close to freezing, I look for clues:

• ice build-up on my mirror arms, antenna, or the top corners of my windshield
• when the spray from tires on vehicles in front of me stops
  

#8 Use extra caution when approaching bridges.
Elevated structures like bridges and highway overpasses usually freeze first and many are not treated with ice/snow melt materials (salt, sand) like the rest of the road. I've seen many vehicles traveling fine on the highway, but as soon as they get on a bridge they spin out of control. Black ice is often found on bridges.

#9 Mountain driving is often hazardous.
Mountain weather can be severe in winter and can change rapidly. Be ready for wind gusts and stay aware of emergency vehicles and snowplows. Obey posted rules. Tire chains may be required for certain routes.

#10 Obey all road signs.
A simple, yet effective tip. Safety authorities post this information for a reason. I've seen many drivers get into trouble just by ignoring a sign.

#11 If stranded or stuck, stay in your vehicle.
If you get stuck in a bad storm or blizzard and you can't see a close place to seek assistance, stay put! It's easy to get confused in a bad storm and you may get lost.

This is a time to use those supplies mentioned in tip #1. You should also keep moving to stay warm. And to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Only run your engine for ten minutes each hour.

#12 If conditions look bad, get off the road.
Don't push your luck. Use your best judgment. Listen to weather reports and warnings and react appropriately. This tip can help you avoid having to use tip #11