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Get The Most Mileage For Your Fuel Dollars
Consumer Reports' tests show how to avoid money-wasting driving habits
Part 2
Important driving tips that have little effect on fuel economy
Keep tires inflated.
- Consumer Reports' tests show that driving on moderately under-inflated tires is more of a safety concern than a fuel-economy issue.
- Check the pressure of your vehicle's tires at least once a month, when the tires are cold. Also check the tires before and after long road trips.
- The recommended tire pressure is found on a label inside the car (usually in a doorjamb, inside the glove-box lid, or inside the fuel-filler lid).
Keep your air filter clean.
- According to Consumer Reports' tests, driving with a dirty air filter in modern engines doesn't have a significant impact on fuel economy, as it did with older engines. That's because modern engines use computers to precisely control the air/fuel ratio, depending on the amount of air coming in through the filter. Reducing airflow, therefore, caused the engines to automatically reduce the amount of fuel being used.
Using air conditioning vs. Opening the window.
- Air conditioning places more load on the engine, which can affect fuel economy. But some auto journalists say that opening the windows at highway speeds can affect fuel economy even more by disrupting the vehicle's aerodynamics. In Consumer Reports' tests it was found that neither makes enough of a difference in fuel economy to worry about.
- Because air conditioning can help keep you comfortable and alert, Consumer Reports' suggest that the small trade-off in fuel economy for increased safety is worthwhile.
Remember, the power is yours!
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