| How to Save Gas During the Winter Dec 28th 2012, 08:00 Winter can be a tough time for fuel savings, with the car forced to work harder in colder weather. Yet, it is both possible and easy to save gas with sensible driving and good car care during the winter season. Make every gallon count using these steps. - Inflate the car's tires regularly. Cold air decreases the pressure in tires; poor tire pressure increases resistance to rolling in snow and slush.[1] To maximize your gas mileage, keep your tires air pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Two missing pounds of air in one tire, fuel consumption increases by 1%,[2][1] while improperly inflated tires will prevent faster rolling. In addition, under inflated tires may cause a loss of traction on wet surfaces or when cornering, something you can't afford to risk during the icy months––remember that four bits of rubber are the link between your vehicle and the road. It is therefore in your own interest and that of your passengers to make sure they are in excellent condition.
- When adding air to tires during winter, it is important to let out a little air from each valve and blowing air out of the hose before inserting. This will stop any build-up of moisture in the tire valve; that moisture can freeze, expand the valve and cause leakage of more air.[1]
- Always carry your own tire gauge for the most accurate reading.
- Check the wheel alignment. Improper wheel alignment increases tire wear and reduces the stability of the vehicle. In addition, it is more work for the engine, which can increase fuel consumption up to 2.5 percent.[3]
- Avoid idling. Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the car's engine.[4] At idle, an engine uses a minimum of 0.2 of a gallon of gas for every 30 minutes of idling, up to 0.7 of a gallon for an 8-cylinder engine.[4] More fuel is used during the warm up period, as many people incorrectly assume that idling is good for the car during winter warm-ups, while the reality is that driving is far more effective for warming up the engine than idling.[4] When starting the car, 30 seconds is sufficient for computer controlled fuel-injected engines, then get driving.[5][1] Older cars will need longer but no more than a few minutes. Moreover, while idling, the engine polluters more, which is why many cities and municipalities now limit or even ban on idling time unless it's an emergency. Instead of idling, consider restarting the engine.
- Ring ahead to check that people you're collecting are ready to get into the car as soon as you arrive, to avoid idling.
- Rather than sit in your car to watch a sports match or similar, find an indoor place to watch from. Wear plenty of additional clothing!
- Avoid carrying excess weight. Rid your car of unnecessary items, as they weigh down your vehicle by making it more energy efficient. For every 1 percent increase in weight, there is 0.5 percent increase in consumption in the city and 0.1 percent on the highway. Similarly, remove all rack or bike rack on the roof when not in use (keeping them in the garage will help to preserve these items during the harsher winter weather). Due to aerodynamic resistance, a rack can increase consumption by 5 to 10 percent. And any unused item lying in the trunk of your car leads to over-consumption of your vehicle.
- Remove snow build-up from the air intake at the top of the hood. If you leave it there, the air intake will cause the defroster to fog your windshield.
- Obviously, "excess weight" does not include winter emergency kits. All items you'd use in the event of a breakdown during winter should stay in the car and should be checked for usability and durability at the beginning of the season.
- Fill up your car early in the morning. When the outdoor temperature is colder, the density of gasoline or diesel is less. But during the day as the atmosphere warms, the fuel in the tank expands, so if you fill in the afternoon or evening, your liter is not equivalent to an exact liter.
- Make sure that the gas tank cap is secured properly. Evaporation of fuel can occur faster if the cap is not aligned properly.[6]
- Avoid driving aggressively. Keep a light foot on the accelerator and be an alert driver, ready to react well before it's too late. Acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 25 percent. Moreover, on slippery and slick surfaces during winter, you're less likely to maintain control over the vehicle and an accident can result. Drive at a constant speed, slow down to adjust to the weather conditions and remember that the speed limit is not a target.
- Use your vehicle efficiently and effectively. Do you even need to go out in the car? Places that are close present an opportunity for winter exercise. When you do need to go, plan your trip to go at times that are not excessively busy and do as much as possible to make value for each trip.
- If you live where it snows, it is best to wait until the road has been plowed before heading out. Your car has to work a lot harder to make it through the snow than when tracks have already been made out for it.[5] Even then, stick to tracks made by other cars rather than driving through freshly falling snow, no matter how light.
- Toward the end of winter, when things start warming up, use air conditioning sparingly. It increases fuel consumption, especially in cities. When a car makes frequent stops as is common in the urban environment, the outside air is refreshed, making it more fuel demanding. Do not to turn on the air as soon as you start driving––open the windows and let air into the cabin to lower the temperature. When you decide to put the air conditioner, close the windows and sunroof.
- If at all possible, park the car in a garage when it's at home and/or work. This keeps the car warmer, allowing you to bring the engine to optimal temperature faster.[5]
- Check all car fluids regularly, including anti-freeze. Good maintenance throughout winter will ensure greater longevity of your car.[1]
- Car batteries older than 3 1/2 years tend to be less effective, especially during winter. Check the leads and efficiency of the battery, or have it replaced after this time.[1]
Edit Warnings - Don't ignore warning lights. If your car is displaying any, take it to the mechanic. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Edit Related wikiHows Edit Sources and Citations |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment