We’ve all heard the tips on how to save gas (“slow down,” “avoid hard acceleration,” etc.) Here are a few more with percentage of estimated fuel savings, and the tailgate-down myth.
Your vehicle uses 10 to 15 percent more fuel for every 5 mph above 60 mph.
Properly tuned vehicles improve gas mileage up to 6 percent.
Having properly inflated tires increases fuel efficiency by 3 to 5 percent.
Wind resistance from a loaded roof rack can reduce fuel efficiency by 5 percent.
Heavy loads: An extra 100 pounds reduces fuel efficiency by 2 percent.
Idling for more than 30 seconds uses more fuel than stopping and restarting the engine.
The A/C myth: Modern cars are designed to use less fuel with the windows up and the air conditioning on than with the A/C off and windows down.
A loose or missing gas cap allows fuel to evaporate. Also, when the pump automatically clicks off, stop fueling. Any "extra" gas you can get will probably seep out.
A dirty air filter or worn-out spark plugs can cost you nearly two miles per gallon.
A faulty oxygen sensor, your gas mileage may be decreased by as much as 40 percent.
Tailgate myth: It's an urban myth that driving a pickup truck with the tailgate down will decrease wind resistance. A study published by the National Research Council of Canada says keeping it down (or using a mesh tailgate in its place) actually has the opposite effect. When it's up, a bubble of air forms in the truck bed, and air flows more smoothly over and off the truck, without as much drag. A tonneau cover works best.
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