DMB - Saving $ on Fuel

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	Saving $ on Fuel, Maintenance and Travel

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Saving $ on Fuel

Use regular unleaded gas or gasohol (also known as E10, a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline) at all times. If you have a flexible fuel vehicle, use E85 fuel..
Refuel at state fuel pumps for cost savings (about 6 cents per gallon).
Speedway gas stations give a penny volume discount to the state - look for these value provider gas stations.
Shopping around for the best fuel price in an area may save some money, but it is not practical to travel long distances to save a few pennies per gallon.
Don't fill the fuel tank to the top or on very hot days.
Keep vehicles properly maintained to manufacturer's specs.
- Engines with worn spark plugs or dirty filters burn more fuel. Some cars have 100,000 mile plugs.
- Under-inflated tires can cut fuel economy by up to 2% per pound of pressure below recommended level.
Know the correct starting procedure for your car. Racing the engine to warm it wastes fuel.
- New engines need no warming time prior to driving. Start the car, ease into gear and go.
Slow down. The faster you travel, the more fuel you use.
Use air conditioning only when necessary. It reduces fuel economy by 5%.
- Light exterior colors, light interior cloth seats and tinted windows can reduce heat build-up, thus reducing the need for air-conditioning.
- Use air vents to circulate air instead of using air conditioning.
Lighten the load. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel.
- Some trucks, vans and SUVs come in several sizes and configurations. Models with a shorter bed, abbreviated cargo area or smaller cab are lighter and generally use less fuel.
Maintain steady speeds. Extra fuel is necessary to accelerate a vehicle.
- Cruise Control may be a fuel saving option. Use it when driving on open roads to maintain a steady speed.
Plan trips and errands to reduce total driving time and miles driven.
- Ask yourself whether a trip is really necessary. Can it be avoided by using the phone, fax or Internet?
- Consider carpooling and teleconferencing, video conferencing and web conferencing options.
Use the most energy-conserving vehicle available, as often as possible.
- Smaller engines typically mean better gas mileage.
- Four wheel drive vehicles may use more gas than other vehicles.
- Vehicles with automatic transmissions may use more fuel than those with manual transmissions.
Minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be alert for slow-downs and red lights.
Avoid engine idling for long periods of time.
Keep windows up at highway speeds to reduce drag.
Remove icicles and debris that can cause wind resistance.


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