Unless you drive a hybrid car or ride your bike to work, there's no way to escape the high gas prices. But there are ways you can get better gas mileage out of our vehicles - which will save you money in the long run, according to Edmunds.com, an online resource for automotive information.
Here are 10 to help you get better gas mileage:
- Follow the Recommended Maintenance - A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy.
- Keep Tires Properly Inflated - Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 3 percent.
- Take a Load Off - Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car.
- Don't Drive Aggressively - Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency.
- Use the Highest Gear Possible - Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode.
- Use Cruise Control Selectively - Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain.
- Think Clean - Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself.
- Avoid Excessive Idling - An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines.
- Think Before You Ventilate - Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds.
- Combine Your Errands - Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip.
The HBH Group is an expert real estate team with extensive experience in Internet marketing, staging and creative financing. Call us today for a no obligation visit to see how we can help you sell your home in this more difficult market!
Our real estate team is connected to:
- Buyers and sellers of commercial and residential real estate.
- Investors in both the above classes of real estate.
- Property acquisution, leasing and management services for investors of commercial and residential real estate.
- Business brokerage to help you find and acquire a local business.
We would love to assist you as you invest in Texas and the greater Austin area. Call us to find all we can offer you and to ask for a FREE information package!
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You can learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
We teach a monthly real estate investment seminar in the Greater Austin area and YOU ARE INVITED to this FREE event. Simply call our offices to reserve you seats! Also ask about the investors club that we are forming in the North Austin markets currently - We would love to have you participate!
Here are some other Buyer's Resources from Our Website: Seven steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home
And some seller's resources as well:Eight steps to selling your home
How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property
The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Roundrock, TX 78664
To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: info@TheHBHGroup.com
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://RoundRockRealEstateBlog.info/
http://www.RoundRockRealEstateBlog.com/
Those are some great tips. I also heard that driving between 55 and 60mph uses less fuel. Drive safely! :)
Debi: Thanks for the added tip! Anyone else have more?
Great advice, Steve! Have you checked hypermiling?\
Bo
Bo: Cool site! Here is another post that I wrote to help you find the best gas prices in your area:
Steve thanks amazing how many people ignored these things until the price of fuel went through the roof.
John: Items that attack our wallet tend to get lots of attention!
Steve- I think #4 is almost impossible for me....I am a very aggressive driver. Yes I am the one that can't handle anyone in front of me!
Steve - Thanks for the tips. Anything that will help in this environment is appreciated. On another topic. I see you have a large signature at the bottom of your posts. Is there a way to save a signature in Active Rain or do you have it saved in Word and cut and paste?
Lori: For you and me both! I am trying to learn better though!
Pam: I save mine in Word and paste it every time... Don't think the AR guys have given us that feature yet inside the interface here.
That's funny your should post the tip on the A/C! My husband and I are always arguing about the A/c... he likes the windows down but I prefer the A/C. Now I got an excuse to keep the widows up :)
Glad I could help give you evidence to support your position! LOL
Brenda: Fast is all relative, right?
Thanks...do you think this will help my H2?
Oh my, I took your tip test and failed miserably.
Thanks for the great advise. I need to get those extra for sale signs out of my trunk to lighten my load and improve my cash flow.
Wow. Great information. I will try to use all that I can.