FUEL SAVING TIPS
ENGINE WARM-UP
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45
seconds is plenty of time.
2. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute
consumes the fuel amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
3. 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.
4. 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 FUEL
1. Buy fuel during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best.
During these times fuel is densest. Keep in mind - fuel pumps measure volumes of
fuel, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume
of measurement".
2. 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.
3. Avoid filling fuel tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out
of tank. Never fill fuel tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle
is automatic.
HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
1. Exceeding 65 km/h forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.
2. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling
safety, however better fuel efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 90 km/h give
you up to 21% better mileage when compared to 105 - 115 km/h.
3. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is
needed.
4. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as
possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse it along". However, if you
cause the engine to "bog down", premature wearing of engine parts occurs.
5. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air
drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
6. 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.
7. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach
the hill, not while you're on it.
GENERAL ADVICE
1. 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.
2. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to
30% of your gas mileage.
3. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling
distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires
extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse
gear maneuvers to save fuel.
7. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended
maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean
air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise
smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a
fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).
11. Auto air conditioners can reduce 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.
12. 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.