Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) As fuel prices continue to rise, wasted gas can burn through your pocketbook. But drivers can keep a few things in mind to reduce fuel consumption and save money. Mechanic Jason Meador at Oak Hill C Adam Toney says the best thing drivers can do to save gas is to take it easy.
“Do not be in a hurry. Easy on your throttle. Give yourself plenty of time. Use cruise control when you can, and just try to keep everything steady. The less harsh accelerations you have to do, the better. Always throttle through your curves; don’t ride your brake.”
Cranking up the AC to beat the summer heat also uses more gas. But Meador says you can still save gas while keeping cool by using your air conditioning wisely.
“Air conditioning can have a large impact on your fuel consumption, so any time the AC engages, it has to run an extra pulley in the belt, and it has to turn. It can cause you to use more gas. Plus, if you let it sit and idle with the air conditioning going, you’re going to be burning more fuel than if you were just sitting there with the windows down… Use your remote start if you have it possible. So that way, you don’t have to leave it running all the time to stay cool. It does not take very long for the AC system to cool down. So normally, once you’re driving 2 to 3 minutes, it should kick on.”
Regular maintenance can prevent expensive repairs in the long run, but Meador says it can also help save on fuel every day.
“So doing standard oil changes with tire rotations really impacts your fuel. Of course, the newer tires you have, the less rolling resistance and the better the traction. So you’re using less effort to get up to speed; you’re using less effort to slow down as well. So it better maintains. With oil changes, it actually helps your engine run smoother, so that way it doesn’t have to rev as high or go as far.”
Meador also says occasional fuel additives can help clean buildups in the fuel system and help bring back lost fuel economy, along with regular maintenance. But the fastest way to save gas is always to take it slow.
“I would recommend just keep up with your regular maintenance, make sure your air pressure is right in your tires, and just take it easy on the throttle.”
