Fuel Saving Tips
Gas Into Distance, Not Heat!
You should plan to use the brake sparingly, so what I like to do is give the car as much gas as I need to conserve gas but also maintain a relative speed. I like to coast when possible, then give it a little more. Remember, extra gas that isn't used is turned into heat (brake pads!) This is just a waste. So, think before you goose it!
posted by camelflage on August 27, 2012
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
Pay full attention, FOCUS! Avoid braking.
Watch 3 or 4 cars ahead of you, not the one right in front, so if you see a turn signal, or traffic light changing, or any other obstacle, you can take your foot off the gas sooner, reducing not only fuel burn but brake wear as well. The key is to avoid braking! Every time you step on the brake your fuel mileage goes down. And if you do have to brake, accelerate smoothly afterwards. If you do what you are supposed to do when driving, which is DRIVE! IE... turn off the radio/mp3 player, turn off the cell phone, put down the make-up, keep your mouth shut, and give FULL ATTENTION to driving, you will then be able to look ahead and anticipate what's going to happen resulting in a fuel savings of 15% or more!
posted by tower0ne on August 24, 2012
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
Beat the heat and reduce A/C use
When parked in the sun, a car's interior temperature can rise 30F degrees above ambient temperature in thirty minutes and over 40F in forty five minutes. Rolling down the windows a quarter inch seems to help lessen the temperature spike, but might be a security issue. The first thing I do when I get into a hot car is fully open the windows. Then I start the car and turn on the A/C. Opening the windows for 20 - 30 seconds (while I'm still in the parking lot) vents the very hot air. I also avoid the blast of super hot air from the fan when I turn on the A/C. Within thirty seconds, the A/C has started to get cold and I roll the windows back up. My A/C doesn't have to work as hard against the hot interior, I get cooler quicker, and I also save gas because I reach a comfortable interior temperature and can turn down the A/C quicker.
posted by jgibbsjr on August 21, 2012
this tip works for 89% of voting Fuelly members.
Fueling up
When filling up with fuel and the fuel stops, leave it, don't click it till it's really full the pump isn't precise enough to measure the little bits of fuel going into your tank but the $ ticks actually think there's more than there is. I managed to fill a 10 L gas can with 20 L as an experiment and still had to pay for the 20 L even though it was impossible to hold 20L but that's what the pump read. You have been warned. Also, as your fuel tank heads toward empty, your car becomes lighter and so uses less fuel during acceleration, you might squeek an extra mpg or two below half a tank.
posted by mikefromsandiego on August 16, 2012
this tip works for 44% of voting Fuelly members.
don't be afraid to use that throttle
every engine has its Brake Specific Fuel Consumption sweet spot. this means that at a certain RPM and certain engine 'load', the engine will produce the most power most efficiently. This is good for when you are passing, merging or trying to determine best shift points. usually most 4 cylindar cars like 1800-3000rpm with 80% engine load. so don't be afraid to give it more gas. but careful to keep the RPMs and engine load reasonable (ie. do not floor the pedal).
posted by Aelred on August 6, 2012
this tip works for 94% of voting Fuelly members.
Traffic Lights w/ Timers
Some traffic lights now have timers that give the exact amount of time left over for the light to go green or red. If the time is long enough, shut off your engine while waiting for the light to go green.
posted by stevencrimes on August 3, 2012
this tip works for 42% of voting Fuelly members.
If you really want high mileage...
... dig that trail bike out of the garage and use it as much as you can! My Honda CRF230L is getting great mileage and it's still apparently breaking-in. (1300 miles) When I bought it the dealer had a yellow sticker on it that said "85+ mpg". I thought it was optimistic at first. My first two tanks gave me 73 mpg but it's been rising all spring and summer. My last 3 fill-ups averaged 80.5 mpg and I weigh 200 lbs. I haven't seen my mileage max out yet and if you weigh 140 or 150 I can now see 85 mpg is not out of the realm of possibility at all. Keep an eye on my fuel chart and you will see where it maxes out as I will chart every tank here. It's also fun to ride and happily goes where the roads end. It climbs steep hills with ease. I get compliments at work from the machinists who admire how well made it is. They pointed-out the quality of the fit, finish, hardware, and materials used. Best $3500 I ever spent. Awesome!
posted by bill14224 on August 1, 2012
this tip works for 41% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep you automatic transmission locked-up
If you have a traditional automatic transmission with a torque converter, all modern ones can "lock-up". This happens when the torque converter stops slipping and there is a direct linkage from the engine to the drive wheels. This increases fuel economy because the torque converter is no longer creating heat that would otherwise be put to good use on the road. When it comes to hills, don't decelerate too much, be accustomed to your transmission and keep the necessary speed to keep the transmission locked-up when going up hills.
posted by danwat1234 on July 29, 2012
this tip works for 82% of voting Fuelly members.
Save 100% on fuel
Ride a bike.
posted by coloradokid3oh3 on July 25, 2012
this tip works for 38% of voting Fuelly members.
Pedal (not) to the Metal
You don't always need to be on the brake or the gas; an object in motion tends to stay in motion, and your car will coast if you're not actually pressing the accelerator. Use this when going down hills, or if the light not far down the road turns red, for example.
posted by aquarianibis on July 23, 2012
this tip works for 100% of voting Fuelly members.
The Myth about Filling Up in the Morning
A popular tip advising the best time to fill up your car's fuel tank comes to us as an unfounded urban "myth." The "tip" advises motorists to fill up the tank first thing in the morning or a few hours after the sun goes down. The idea behind the myth is that when you tank up during the cooler hours, the fuel would be denser, and thus you will be able to fit more fuel into your tank than you would by tanking up during warmer hours. Because most fuel station pumps measure fuel by volume, theoretically you would actually be getting more fuel molecules into your tank during the cool hours, too. The idea is that you would get more fuel for the money you pay. Nice idea, but this is an unfounded proposition. Here's why: Fuel is stored in large tanks located so far underground that they are unaffected by warmth from the sun and outside air temperature. Being this well insulated by the earth, fuel in these tanks remain at the same temperature all day long, without any regard to the sun. Thus no matter what time of day you fuel up, you will be pumping fuel that remains the same temperature throughout the day. The only factors that may affect underground tank temperatures are: 1) when a tanker truck introduces new fuel into the underground tank, and 2) during seasonal temperature changes, from summer to winter, when the underground temperature may vary by a few degrees. The good news is that underground tank temperatures are relatively stable, and you can pump fuel into your car confidently knowing you are getting pretty much the same amount of fuel per-gallon (per-litre) no matter what the temperature is outside. Tank up, and drive off!
posted by PriusCMPG on July 17, 2012
this tip works for 89% of voting Fuelly members.
Take the car?
If you have a short trip say less than 2 miles and your cars' engine is cold, take a bicycle or walk instead because your car engine is not as efficient when its cold.
posted by rswails on July 8, 2012
this tip works for 84% of voting Fuelly members.
Right Turns All the Way
Turning right is usually much faster than turning left when you have to wait for a break in the traffic flow. Plans your errands to that you have a route that permits the maximum possible right turns.
posted by Houckster on July 3, 2012
this tip works for 59% of voting Fuelly members.
Get a 50cc Scooter
They are fun and get 60 to 100+ mpg. I use mine way more than my van all summer long. That saves me many dozen gallons of fuel every month.
posted by revweasel on July 3, 2012
this tip works for 71% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep your wheels aligned
If your wheels are out of alignment then not only will you experience increased tyre wear but also you will use more fuel to overcome the constant side-slip. It doesn't cost much or take long to get your wheel alignment checked and adjusted at a tyre depot or service centre.
posted by avraid on July 2, 2012
this tip works for 100% of voting Fuelly members.
Don't fill up in supermarkets
firstly you can smell the difference in fuel quality (especially if you have a fuel leak ;) ) and secondly working out the MPG from a supermarket unless you drive a small engine car. you gain less MPG... and then when you compare this to the money you spent.. it still works out less... so why fill up in a supermarket... their fuel had additives that lowers the MPG... whats it doing to your engine?
posted by tomhartridge on June 26, 2012
this tip works for 10% of voting Fuelly members.
Accelerate to save maximum fuel.
A test by Popular Mechanics revealed that slower isn't necessarily better. PM tested various method to achieve optimal MPG in getting up to speed. They found that you should move reasonably briskly to get into the top gear - where the car runs most efficiently. So the rule of thumb is to accelerate at half the maximum acceleration rate of the vehicle. So if you own a car that goes from 0-60 in 9 seconds, take 18 seconds to get to 60.
posted by scalz on June 20, 2012
this tip works for 88% of voting Fuelly members.
Skip the Drive Thru
I never use the drive thru at fast food. When I go during the busy time at lunch, I like to take note of the last car in the drive thru lane when I go in to order. Usually, I beat that car through the line, and I save gas. It's a double win.
posted by valleymd on June 19, 2012
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
Downhill overtaking
When on a motorway or 'A' road, try to time your overtaking to when you going downhill, even slightly downhill. It's tempting to overtake all the slow HGVs when they are struggling up inclines, but waiting until the next level or downhill section means you can pick up speed more easily and with less fuel consumption.
posted by LaReineMulder on June 18, 2012
this tip works for 57% of voting Fuelly members.
Rear A/C fallacy
Unless you have two compressors, using the rear a/c along with the front a/c will not affect your mileage. Either way the compressor is running. It turns at one resistance, either on or off. (there are thermodynamic resistance differences with more refrigerant v.s. less but we don't need to get that detailed). If you are driving a minivan and you get 20 with the A/C on and 22 with it off are you going to sweat for a 10% gain? Perhaps you need to reconsider your vehicle if you can't afford 20 mpg and are trying to get two more yet sweat like a pig.
posted by jspahn on June 15, 2012
this tip works for 70% of voting Fuelly members.
Be Mindful of Your A/C Modes
Many cars engage A/C in modes that are not clearly marked as such. For instance, in late 90s Ford Escort A/C compressor is engaged, and A/C turns on above 10°C (50°F) in all modes except [only panel] or [only feet] modes. Read your owners manual to make sure you only turn on A/C when you need it.
posted by theUg on June 10, 2012
this tip works for 83% of voting Fuelly members.
Don't drive when you don't have to
Get of your butts and start riding bicycles more often. It will not only save you gas, but also will improve your health :) For running small errands around the town I often opt for a bicycle instead of the car.
posted by brianl4i15 on June 10, 2012
this tip works for 63% of voting Fuelly members.
ECo tyre pressures
Check your manufacturers hand book for eco tyre pressure settings. The higher the tyre pressure the less rolling resistance the better fuel consumption. My Vauxhall Vectra (UK) shows 38psi for each tyre which is about 5 psi over standard. Since following this I have also noticed tyre wear has decreased I assume due to less scrubbing of the rubber double win! There has been no noticeable loss of handling/grip either.
posted by Redrider251 on June 4, 2012
this tip works for 94% of voting Fuelly members.
Install a warm air intake.
Computerized engines maintain a narrow range of fuel mixture ratios. A cold air intake will produce more power because the computer will add fuel to maintain the same ratio with the cooler, more dense, air. It will not improve fuel efficiency. Ecomodders change to a warm air intake because the computer reduces the amount of fuel consumed. More MPG, less power.
posted by GraeSack on June 3, 2012
this tip works for 37% of voting Fuelly members.
Wave Cancel
When you stuck in stop and go traffic, slow way down to about 3 mile per hour, and then just keep moving really slowly. Let a empty gap form between you and the vehicle in front of you. You just move at a gentle slow speed without pressing the gas a brake peddle a whole bunch. People behind you will be indirectly encouraged to do similar, and you can cancel out a smog forming gas wasting standing traffic wave: and doing this is easier on your car: it will save you gas and extend the life of your brake system. If you drive a manual, this will also help you to keep from pumping you clutch thousands of times in a traffic jam.
posted by smccullough on May 28, 2012
this tip works for 85% of voting Fuelly members.
Don't keep your tank above the half-way mark
There are several advantages to letting your tank get down to the point when the reserve light comes on: 1: You will waste less time at filling stations because it's quicker to fill the tank once than half fill it twice. 2: Your vehicle will, on average, be lighter... and carrying less weight around has a direct effect on fuel economy. 3: Your tank will have fresh fuel in it rather than a mix of new and stale.
posted by fazerider on May 27, 2012
this tip works for 27% of voting Fuelly members.
In a hybrid use your cruise control ALWAYS.
If you want the best mpg out of a hybrid car, your cruise control is your best friend. Cruise control will use the electric motor prior to engaging the engine to keep the car at the desired speed. Don't just use it on highways.
posted by joshotto on May 25, 2012
this tip works for 23% of voting Fuelly members.
Fill up when temperature is cooler
Fill up when temperature is cooler. Gas/Petrol expands a lot when it is hot, but the energy remains the same. According to one report, 20 US Gallons at 60F is the same as 19.6 US gallons at 90F--so that's 2% less fuel if you fill on a hot day. The pump volume/price remains the same! And the oil companies factor in temperature when selling to your local filling station. The same principle holds true for diesel, but it expands slightly less, rough guess about 1.7% in the same example
posted by MilesT on May 25, 2012
this tip works for 26% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep an eye out for supermarket fuel promos
Keep an eye out for supermarket fuel promotional offers (e. g. spend X in the supermarket, get y per gallon/litre off fuel, usually at their own station). But don't buy extra stuff you wouldn't use, go too far out of your way, and be aware if the supermarket generally charges more.
posted by MilesT on May 25, 2012
this tip works for 67% of voting Fuelly members.
Plan fill using Fuel Price comparison site
Plan your fill ups using Fuel Price Comparison websites e. g. PetrolPrices.com in the UK. Minor variations in route or stopping points can save a lot. You can also plan your fillups on your daily commute better.
posted by MilesT on May 25, 2012
this tip works for 90% of voting Fuelly members.
