Helpful Articles

Maintenance Saves Money

There's no way around it. Drivers who take their vehicles in for regular service and maintenance experience fewer problems on the road. They also save money on gas. It makes sense that a vehicle with a poorly operating, inefficient engine will not have the best fuel economy.

Keep Tires Pumped Up

Properly serviced vehicles are less likely to have under-inflated tires, another common cause of poor fuel economy. Keeping your tires inflated to your manufacturer's recommended tire pressure will save you pennies on each gallon, as will properly aligned wheels.

Spot Trouble

Maintenance can also save drivers money by correcting problems that reduce fuel efficiency, or preventing problems from ever reducing gas mileage. Have your fluid levels and air filters checked and replaced regularly.

Beat the Stop and Go

Most people know that fuel economy is lower in the city, but do you understand why? Pushing on the gas pedal and pushing on the brake pedal both use more gas than driving at a moderate, steady speed. Stopping frequently and accelerating again—as you do in the city, where there are more traffic lights—decreases your fuel economy.

Plan to Save

A little advance planning can save you money in gas. If you know your route you are less likely to backtrack. Likewise, if you have the option to travel during off-peak hours to run errands, you won't spend time idling in traffic. If you are sitting in one place for more than a few minutes, turn your engine off to save fuel. Avoid “warming up” your car unless you live in a very cold area.

Dump the Baggage

Even if you drive one of the most efficient fuel economy cars on the market, extra weight requires extra gas to move. The more you can clean out of your car, the less you will pay at the pump.

Use the Cruise

Maintaining a regular, steady speed really does use less gas. When possible, use your cruise control to avoid variations in speed.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Although you should keep your vehicle in top-operating condition throughout the entire year, it is especially important during the winter months in order to avoid potential dangerous situations. Make sure that the following are checked and operating properly:

• Tire pressure/tread
• Antifreeze
• Wiper blades/windshield washer fluid
• Defroster/heater
• Battery
• Lights
• Brakes/brake fluid
• Motor oil
• Belts, hoses, filters

Slow Down & Leave Plenty of Stopping Room

When driving in snow or ice, you should do everything slowly and gently. This includes accelerating, turning, and braking. Driving too fast is the number one winter driving error and can easily be avoided. Remember that posted speed limits identify the maximum speed for dry roads and ideal conditions, so you will have to adjust your speed according to the current conditions.

Also, snow and ice makes stopping distances much longer because your tires are just barely gripping the road. It’s important to be able to anticipate stops and leave plenty of distance between you and other cars in order to avoid mishaps.

Remove Snow & Ice from Vehicle

Be sure to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. This includes the windows, headlights, brake lights – even the hood and roof. You don’t want any snow slipping down on your windshield or windows while you are driving.

Know Your Surroundings

If possible, call your local number for traveler information, check the internet, or watch the local news before heading out to see what the current conditions are like. This can help you to know what to expect once you are out on the roads. By knowing your area, you may also choose to avoid hills, high congestion areas, and bridges, since they are all risky areas when combined with snow or ice.

Be Alert

Even if you are being cautious and maintaining control of your own vehicle while on the road, remember that not everyone else is doing the same. It is important to be aware of other drivers and try to anticipate their next move. Doing this may alert you to potential problems and give you extra time to react.

Know Your Tire & Chain Options

It’s a good idea to fit your chains on your tires before you actually have to use them. This way you will be prepared when you do need them and you’ll be sure that they fit and work properly. You can also opt to use traction tires. Just be sure to select the best winter tire for the specific conditions that you will be driving in – your local tire dealer can help you choose the best option.

Gas

It is important to always have a full tank or at least slightly more than half of a tank of gas when traveling in winter conditions. You never know what can happen - you may get caught in a traffic jam or have to change routes and the extra gas will be a necessity.

Cell Phones

Although it is recommended to never use your cell phone while driving, it is especially important to stay off of it when driving in winter weather. You need to be alert and know what is happening on the roads around you and a phone conversation is a major distraction. On the other hand, it’s important to always have your cell phone with you in case of an emergency situation.

Cruise Control/Four-Wheel Drive

It’s best to not use your cruise control in snow, ice or freezing weather. Even though roads can appear clear or dry, there may be slippery spots where you need to brake to deactivate your cruise control. This quick touch of the brake can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Also remember that with four-wheel drive, it only helps you get going quicker, but it doesn’t help you stop any faster.

Be Prepared

It’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. You’ll be glad you are if you ever run into an emergency. Consider keeping these items in your vehicle during the winter driving months:

• Ice-scraper/snowbrush
• Flashlight
• Long jumper cables
• Small shovel
• Water/snacks
• Extra clothes or a blanket
• Bag of sand for traction

Spend Less:

The higher gas prices go, the more you can save by understanding vehicle fuel economy ratings and selecting the most fuel efficient car for your needs. Every year you could save hundreds, or even thousands, depending on how much you drive.

The demand for fuel efficient cars is rising steadily, and many choices are available now, whether you're looking for an economy, midsize, or sport utility vehicle. Whichever model you choose, drive smart and take good care of your car. Good driving habits and proper maintenance will improve fuel economy and lower your fuel costs over time.

Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil

The United States currently imports more than half of the gasoline we use to drive, at a price of more than $4 billion a week. The less fuel we use overall, the less our country has to depend on foreign oil. Just as importantly, the money we save can circulate in our own economy.

Save Natural Resources

No one really knows how long the world's supply of oil will last. Because oil does not renew itself, it will eventually diminish. Some vehicles are powered by other resources, such as electricity, but the vast majority are driven by oil-based fuels. We can make our oil supply last longer if we drive conservatively and increase fuel economy.

Help the Environment

Protecting the environment means paying close attention to fuel economy. Every time you drive your car, you burn gasoline, which has a negative impact on the environment. Poor air quality, global warming and polluted water are just a few of the problems we can help reduce by conserving fuel.