Auto Service Center Vista – Conserving Fuel Tips
The Vista auto service center at Golden Wrench Automotive knows how important it is to maximize our fuel efficiency and minimize our use of fuel. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also good for the pocketbook. That’s why we’re sharing this article with you about ways to conserve fuel this summer. When you’re looking for an auto service center Vista residents can trust, call us at (760)940-6060 to experience our “No Stress, No Hassle” service guarantee.
The easiest and most effective way to improve the fuel economy of any car is to modify your driving habits. Recommendations are provided below, and more information can be found at fueleconomy.gov.
- Minimize cold engine operation. To save fuel, start the engine and then drive the car normally to warm the engine to operating temperature more rapidly.
- Drive conservatively. Avoid “jack rabbit” starts, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic.
- Shift gears efficiently. If your car has a manual transmission, upshift as soon as practical. When coming to a stop, use the brakes rather than downshifting to slow the car.
- Anticipate road conditions. Monitor the traffic ahead and “time” stoplights to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
- Observe speed limits. Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase.
- Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by 7 to 14 percent.
- Use cruise control. Minimizing speed fluctuations on the highway saves gas. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads as it could cause a loss of vehicle control.
- Use a “fast pass” on toll roads. These electronic transponders save fuel by minimizing or eliminating tollbooth slowdowns and stops.
- Avoid excessive idling. A car engine consumes one-quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.
- Plan your trips. Combine errands and route your travel to minimize backtracking. Identify “one-stop” business locations where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.) without extra driving.
- Avoid rush hour. If your employer supports “flex time” work hours, take advantage of this option to commute and run errands during off-peak traffic periods.
Golden Wrench Automotive wants to be your auto service center in Vista! Call us today to schedule your next automotive repair or maintenance. Dial (760) 940-6060 for a “Stress-Free, Hassle Free” automotive repair service you can trust!