Zen of Jen

Get the Most Out of Your Tank of Gas

Photo: clipart.com, WYXL 97.3 Lite Rock

Get the Most Out of Your Tank of Gas

Avoid high speeds. As your speed increases, so too does your aerodynamic drag Ñ for most vehicles, State Farm says, mileage decreases exponentially above 50 miles per hour.

Combine short trips. Warm engines run more efficiently than cold ones, so experts advise running multiple errands at once rather than making shorter, separate trips from a cold start.

 Keep your tires properly inflated. In addition to being safer, properly inflated tires can last longer and improve your gas mileage by more than 3% per tire, AAA says.

Cut down on the A/C, and keep windows closed. Running your car’s air conditioner puts extra load on its engine, which GasBuddy says uses about 20% more fuel (the defrost position on most vehicles also uses the A/C, it notes).

Don’t accelerate or brake too hard. GasBuddy says applying “slow steady acceleration and braking” can increase your fuel economy by as much as 20%.

Lighten your load. Extra weight in the car creates a drag on the engine and consumes extra gas, so it’s worth taking the time to remove unnecessary items Ñ like extra tires, car seats and sandbags, in the spring Ñ from your trunk and back seat.

 

 

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Entertainment, Music

Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, who captivated audiences with his elaborate galactic makeup and smoking guitar, died Thursday. He was 74.

1 day ago in Business, Community, Education, Lifestyle, Local, Regional

State officials cut ribbon at Broome-Tioga BOCES Trade Complex

Officials cut the ribbon last week at Broome-Tioga BOCES' brand-new Trade Complex.

1 day ago in Community, Crime, Lifestyle, Local

Tompkins County lawmakers accept GIVE grant, Flock Security contract

On October 7, Tompkins County lawmakers considered accepting a grant at the Legislature meeting that would help fund the continued use of Flock Security devices.

1 day ago in Community, Lifestyle, Local

Ovid Library accepting hygiene product donations through Saturday

A hygiene drive at the Edith B. Ford Memorial Library in Ovid runs through October 18.

2 days ago in Business, Entertainment, Finance, Government, Local, Politics

Hangar Theatre receives $250K in state funding for renovations

Sen. Lea Webb has secured $250,000 for renovations at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca.