Posted on
Apr. 1, 2008
@ 4:26pm
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Green Tip Tuesday: Car Maintenance And Saving Gas
Now that the bulk of winter appears to be behind us, perhaps it's time we all get around to heading outside and taking care of some auto maintenance. Of course, you can save plenty of gas by simply driving less, but that's not necessarily going to work for everyone. For those of you that do drive, here are some general ideas about keeping your car well maintained and fuel efficient:
- Change your oil regularly, as dirty oil has a direct, negative impact on the efficiency of your engine.
- The same goes for your air filter. Changing it regularly not only ensures that your engine is operating efficiently, but also keeps impurities like dirt and sand from damaging the inside of your engine.
- Remove unnecessary weight from your car. We're not talking about taking a power saw to your car, but rather, just don't lug around unnecessary items in your backseat or trunk. It's estimated that every 100lbs of weight removed from your car can increase fuel efficiency by 2%. So, don't lug around a heavy toolbox, golf clubs, that old stereo you're planning on dumping, and any other items you can do without.
- Under inflated tires can increase fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that your tires are inflated to the level specified in the owner's manual.
- Staying at a constant speed helps to save fuel, so if you drive for long stretches on open road, make use of cruise control.
Of course, there are the usual money and gas saving tips like car pooling, combining errands, and shopping with a friend or neighbour when you can, but auto maintenance is good for the life of your car, your wallet, and for the environment, so stay on top of it! For even more ideas on saving gas, you can check out the Canadian Auto Association's page on the subject and even more tips at care2.com.
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