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Fuel Tips For Your Car
If you're buying a new car, it's an obvious
no brainer that a large SUV vs. a fuel
efficient sports car is going to be less
costly at the pump. Knowing how many miles
per gallon you can get will save you a lot
of cash. The difference between a car that
gets 20 miles per gallon vs. one that gets
30 can save you $550 a year. ($2,200 in four
years) That might make for a decent
vacation. I'm sure you deserve one. Keep in
mind similar compact cars can still have a
wide range from 21 mpg to 48 mpg. Of course
you want the highest number.
Tips that add up
Ok, so you have a small Toyota, or you're
already stuck with a larger full size
model/SUV, here are some additional ways to
save everyday.
---Clean out your trunk! Don't carry around
those golf clubs, or stroller. (I used to
keep my real estate yard signs in my trunk)
Store it in the garage. Removing excess
weight from your vehicle can improve your
gas mileage. In fact, carrying around an
extra 100 lbs. of weight can cost you an
additional 2 cents per gallon.
---Replace clogged air filters. This can
save you approx. 10%. Your car's air filter
keeps impurities from damaging the inside of
your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty
air filter save gas, it will protect your
engine. This is especially true if you drive
in the city.
---SLOW DOWN! Try to pay attention to the
speed you pick up while approaching a red
light. We don't often consider it while on
the phone, or day dreaming. The majority of
drivers actually drive to the red light
keeping up with the flow of traffic. (When
it's red, roll) Why have a race to the
light? The same applies in bumper to bumper
traffic and a line at a stop sign. It's
actually amazing how many people press on
the gas pedal to move a few feet in traffic.
It's hard to remember this, because we're
set on auto pilot. I call this getting
"Nowhere fast." The less contact with that
pedal the better. It all adds up.
---Don't forget to keep your tires inflated
to the right pressure. Under- inflated tires
can lower your gas mileage.
--- Find a buddy. Not only can driving to
work be a hassle, but it can be lonely too.
So why not pair up with a fellow commuter
and share the cost? A 40 mile total daily
commute costs about $2,600 per year.
Ridesharing with one other person can save
you $1,300. Double the figure for an 80 mile
total daily commute. It's something to think
about even just a few days a week.
There are websites dedicated to gas prices.
It may not be a bad idea to check for the
cheapest gas stations.
http://www.youshouldown.com
Please visit my website for other real
estate articles and information.
About the Author
Cecilia Sherrard is a full time dedicated
Realtor in Northeast Ohio. With years of
experience and knowledge, she has maintained
a multi-million dollar producer status.
Servicing areas such as: Westlake, Lakewood,
North Olmsted, Rocky River, Cleveland, Brook
Park, Parma, etc. Visit her website at
http://www.youshouldown.com
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