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9) Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil - You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. |
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Save up to $0.03 per gallon! |
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10) Commuting - If you can stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours, you'll spend less time sitting in traffic and consume less fuel. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it. |
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11) Traveling - A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent. |
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Save up to $0.07 per gallon! |
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12) Choose a More Efficient Vehicle - Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make. The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $1,500 over 5 years. |
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13) Choosing the Right Octane - Choose the right octane gas for your car. Check the owner's manual to find out what octane your engine needs. Very few cars actually need high octane gas. |
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14) Topping Off your Tank - Topping off your gas tank in warm weather may cause overflow due to fuel expansion. Extra gas can also seep out while driving. |
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15) Transmission - A manual transmission will have better fuel economy if you shift properly. |
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16) Air Conditioners - At low speeds and stop and go traffic, running the air conditioner uses up to 20% more gas. If you must use the air conditioner, turn it off a few minutes before you arrive at your destination and leave the fan on to continue circulating the cool air. However, using an air conditioner on the highway uses less fuel because of the added air resistance of open windows. |
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Save up to $0.30 per gallon! |
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17) Luxury - Four wheel drive, power windows, power seats and other luxuries decrease fuel efficiency by adding weight and using engine power. |
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