Here are some of the questions that I have had and the answers I have found about getting the most mileage out of your gas tank.
1. Does running the air conditioning use up gas?
Yes it does, but so does having your windows down. Your best bet is to have your windows down when you are driving slower (less than 40 mph) and when on the highway keep them up to increase the aerodynamics of your vehicle.
2. Does running the heat in your car use up gas?
Nope, your car gets it's heat source through an already very warm engine. Yeah! We all get to stay warm and get good gas mileage too!
3. If I my car is idling is it better to just shut it off and restart it or should I keep it running to save gas?
If your car is idol for even as little as a minute go ahead and turn your car off, or you will be wasting gas.
4. Why do smaller cars get better gas mileage than a standard SUV?
In general the heavier the car (including what you put in it) the lower the gas mileage, the higher up the car is will create more wind resistance and make for lower mileage. Also the engine, the more powerful it is the more gas it takes.
5. Does speed effect my gas mileage?
Yes it does. The faster you go the more you fuel you burn. The more important factor however is that you MAINTAIN a consistent pace. Having to use brakes or accelerate frequently is the worst thing for your fuel efficiency.So, use cruise control when possible.
I know am not the most qualified to talk about driving, my husband would be the first one to verify that (probably a little too enthusiastically), but I have done my research and I recommend checking out
the Utah Geological Survey site and www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportaion for more information on how to conserve gas. To everyone that is on the roads this season, have a happy and safe journey.
1 comment:
It would cost the equivalent of 60 cents a gallon to charge and drive an electric car. The electricity to charge the car could come from solar or wind generated electricity. If all gasoline cars, trucks, and suv’s instead had plug-in electric drive trains, the amount of electricity needed to replace gasoline is about equal to the estimated wind energy potential of the state of North Dakota. Why don't we use some of the billions in bail out money to bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil?OPEC will continue to cut production until they achieve their desired 80-100 per barrel again. We are at their mercy. We really need to get on about the business of becoming energy independent. This past year and the record gas prices played a huge part in our economic meltdown and seriously damaged our economy and society.We keep planning to spend BILLIONS on bailouts and stimulus plans.Bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil. Make electric plug in car technology more affordable. I just read an amazing new book by Jeff Wilson called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence Now. www.themanhattnaprojectof2009.com Create cheap clean energy, create millions of badly needed green collar jobs. Put America back to work. It is a win-win situation. We have to become more proactive citizens, educate ourselves and demand our elected officials move this country forward into the era of energy independence. We need to stop talking about becoming energy independent and do everything in our power to make it happen. We need to use some of those bailout billions to invest in America becoming Energy Independent!
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