The best way to save money on gas would be to leave your
vehicle parked in the driveway, except that most of us couldn’t cope without
it. We need to look for ways to reduce fuel consumption to save money and to reduce
our impact on the environment.
There’s no better way to begin than by purchasing a fuel
efficient vehicle, according to Cathie Clark of Auto Park Mitsubishi. While it
would be great if electric cars were available or we could all afford a hybrid,
for consumers looking for fuel economy, Clark
points to two Mitsubishi models, the Lancer and Eclipse, which boast 7 and 7.3
litres per 100 kms respectively. She says that vehicles like these that get
approximately 850 km per tank of gas are what fuel misers need to buy.
Even with a fuel efficient vehicle, the full fuel-saving
potential might not be realized.
Clark explains; “For that
to actually happen you have to do a few things that are different from what
most of us do in our daily driving.”
The auto expert offers four more tips to minimize fuel
consumption.
“Moderate driving
habits versus aggressive driving will save you approximately 31 per cent in
fuel mileage,” Clark offers as her second tip.
Tailgaters brake and speed up more often, guzzling gas unnecessarily, and
creating a traffic hazard.
For a potential 14 per cent fuel saving, lower your speed
and drive the speed limit. You’ll also be a safer driver, suggests Clark. Once you’ve determined your speed, activate your
cruise control. Use this feature whenever possible and save another 14 per
cent.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is a key to fuel
efficiency. For a saving of $1,680 per year, check your tire pressure often and
to ensure little variance, even with changing temperatures, use nitrogen to
inflate your tires instead of air. Perfect pressure reduces fuel consumption
and extends the life of your tires, saving you even more money.
Clark cautions that there
are a couple of things that won’t save fuel, contrary to popular belief. It’s actually
okay to drive with your windows open and with your air conditioning on when necessary;
you won’t be burning any extra fuel.
To find out more about fuel-efficient vehicles from
Mitsubishi, visit
www.autopark.ca.
