G
asoline
prices have risen well above $4.00 a gallon in most every state across the
country. The average U.S. family with two drivers is now paying nearly $1,000
more annually for gas than they were just two years ago according to a recent
study by research gurus, Sperling's BestPlaces. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase
gas mileage, Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be wary of gas-saving
claims that empty your wallet, instead of saving you fuel.
Many
websites make unbelievable claims for various after market automotive devices
(fuel-line magnets, air bleed devices and retrofit gadgets) and oil and
gasoline additives that supposedly increase gas mileage for automobiles. The
Federal Trade Commission found many of these claims to be either false or
overly exaggerated.
“Summer
travelers should shop around. Nowadays, many smartphones have apps specifically
for finding the cheapest gas prices in your area,” said Michael Clayton,
President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Southeast Texas. “You may even
want to consider getting a credit card that gives you cash back bonuses on gas
purchases.”
Before
adding any fuel savings device to your vehicle, check with your mechanic. You
may end up with a voided manufacturers warranty and serious engine problems by
adding after market devices to your engine.
What
you spend at the pump is influenced by how you drive and what type of gasoline
you use to fill your tank. As we reach the peak of summer travel, here are some
tips on what you can do to save fuel consumption:
Choose the right octane for your car. Check
your owner’s manual to find out what octane your car requires. Keep in mind
that the higher the octane, the higher the price.
Keep your engine tuned. Studies
have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much
as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car’s condition. Follow the recommended
maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual; you will save fuel and your car
will run better and last longer.
Don’t let your engine run at idle any longer than
necessary. An engine actually warms up faster while driving. With
most gasoline engines, it is more efficient to turn off the engine than to idle
for any period longer than 30 seconds.
Drive more efficiently. Stay
within the posted speed limits. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Set
your cruise control on highway trips. This can help maintain a constant speed
and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.
Automobile manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct tire
pressure. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range, use the
higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency.
Anticipate the driving condition. Driving
smoothly and steadily makes the best use of your fuel. If you can, avoid sudden
acceleration or braking.
Change your oil and replace air filters regularly. Clean
oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful
substances from the engine. Your air filter keeps impurities in the air from
damaging internal engine components.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news. In Southeast Texas, call 409/835-5348
or 855/BBB-SETX.