Fuel Economy

The typical Arkansas vehicle is driven more than 15,000 miles a year and uses about 1,200 gallons of fuel. Almost 2 million vehicles are registered in our state, so this adds up to a lot of fuel. Each of the following tips may not have much impact alone but when taken together and followed consistently, they can result in significant savings.

Drive Sensibly
Speeding, rapid acceleration and frequent braking waste gas. Drive at an even speed whenever possible. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. The U.S. Department of Energy says fuel economy decreases by 7% for each 5 mph you drive over 65 mph.

When Handle Clicks, Stop
Don’t top off the gas tank. When the handle clicks off, stop pumping. Gas is lost in fumes. And try not to buy gas mid-day. Gas is sold by volume, and you get more when it’s cool outside.

Check Tire Pressure Often
Under-inflated tires increase gas consumption by 2% for each pound of pressure under the recommended amount.

Use THE AC Wisely
Once the car is cool inside, adjust the temperature up slightly and run the fan at a higher speed.

Watch Your Driving Speed
Fuel efficiency is best between 35 – 55 mph. It drops dramatically over 55 mph.

Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. The larger the car engine, the more gas is wasted when idling. If your wait will be longer than a minute, turn off the engine and restart it when you move again.

Use Cruise Control
Using CC on the highway helps maintain a constant speed and saves gas. But using CC on hilly terrain causes a vehicle to speed up faster than it would by operating the gas pedal yourself.

Other Points to Consider
Using top quality radial tires, especially steel belted, result in 5 – 20% savings. A light exterior and interior color along with tinted windows can reduce heat build-up. Unnecessary weight in the trunk or on the roof cuts fuel economy. If you’re shopping for a new car, consider a hybrid-electric – they increase fuel economy by 40–80%.

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