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Improving Your Gas Mileage
How you drive:
Do not "cowboy" drive, i.e. always on the accelerator, jamming on the breaks, jackrabbit starts.
Avoid prolonged idling, because the gas/air mixture is richer when idling, using extra gasoline.
Do not exceed the speed limit. In most engines, the optimum speed for best fuel economy is between 55 mph and 65 mph.
How you maintain your car:
Maintain your engine. Tune-up the engine when required and regularly change your oil.
Always have a clean air filter. A dirty filter restricts the amount of air taken in and results in a richer gas-to-air ratio.
Avoid low tire pressure and use snow tires only when necessary.
Maintain the front-end alignment.
Beware of any fuel system leaks. Pay attention to any gasoline odors and tend to leaks immediately.
Other Helpful Tips:
Unless necessary, avoid using mud flaps or bug deflectors, which create wind resistance.
Use the gasoline octane quality listed in your owner's manual. If your engine "knocks" try a higher grade of octane and see if it stops the problem.
Avoid using the air conditioner while at slow speed except when really needed. At higher speeds it does not make much of a difference because opening the windows create wind resistance.
Avoid having extra weight in the car trunk.
When you buy your car consider the need of extra power equipment, e.g. power brakes, power steering and the type of fuel economy the new car has.
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