Tips on Saving fuel with your car, SUV or light pickup truck

Low Cost Fuel Savers

Inflate tires to recommended levels – only when tires are cool, and once a month
Replace your air filter regularly – check at each oil change
Use windows instead of A/C at lower speeds when temperature permits
Carry less around with you – Every pound takes more power to move
Brake less, coast more – Smart braking can increase mileage by 2 – 3 MPG
Accelerate slowly – Idling isn’t the only reason mileage ratings for city driving is less
Regular oil changes – Clean oil not only lubricates better, but cools your engine more effectively

Medium Cost Fuel Savers

Fuel treatment products with each oil change. This will keep injectors clean and working properly
Higher end air filters – Increase economy and power through lower manifold pressures
Synthetic oil- Slower breakdown of lubrication values, as well as better cooling properties

Higher Cost Fuel Savers

Buy a small, reliable, cheap, commuter – Sounds like a big step, but for those who need big suv’s and trucks, a small second car for the quick trips or long ones that you do not need to haul large numbers of people or stuff; a small used car will pay for itself in less time then you think. Here’s and example of how:

An F150 pickup gets around 16MPG and costs about $30,000
A 10 year old Honda Accord gets around 30MPG and costs about $5,500
Each mile you drive, the Honda will consume almost half of what the truck does in fuel. At $3.00 a gallon 15,000 miles a year will cost: $2813 a year to fuel the truck, but only $1500 a year for the Honda.
Insure the truck for pleasure driving only, and list your Honda as the commuter. The Honda only needs minimum insurance V the total package for the truck. This may not be valid in all states, but insuring a second vehicle with minimum insurance is typically low.
Less mileage driven, longer lasting truck, higher trade in value. The less your truck is on the road, the longer it will last, and less chance it will get hit.

Low friction tires – One way of reducing friction was discussed already through tire inflation, but did you know that you can also purchase tires with a lower friction rating? Many cars are sold with them on when their new, but when its time to replace them, find the best rated tire for your area,

*I recommend further investigation of these products before purchase. Some may void your warranty.
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