Don’t let fuel costs around Castro Valley drive you crazy
category:Clubs and Organizations posted:September 3rd, 2008
Lately, going to the gas station to fill up requires a stop beforehand to either take out a second mortgage…or sign over your firstborn (check here for updated gas prices in the Castro Valley area). But a few simple steps can help you get the most out of every drop of gas.
(Read on to get some great gas-saving tips. But for even more local auto-related info, spend some time checking out our comprehensive collection of links, resources and more in our new CAR GUIDE!)
OK, now to those tips...
1) Keep your car tuned up. Fixing a serious problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage by up to 40 percent. But just making sure your air filters are clean can boost efficiency by 10 percent – plus, it will protect your car’s engine.
2) Keep tires inflated. Simply by keeping your tires at the right pressure, you can see a 3.3 percent improvement in mileage. And properly-inflated tires are safer and last longer.
3) Drive smart. Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration and braking and you can get 5 percent better mileage around town – and up to 33 percent more on the highway. While you’re in town, avoid idling. Turn off your engine while waiting to pick up the kids at school or running into the drycleaners.
4) Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage generally decreases rapidly once you go over 60 mph. Each 5mph over 60 costs you about an extra $0.26 per gallon! Using cruise control on the highway can help you stay in the “saving zone.”
5) Lose the weight. Go through your trunk and ditch the golf clubs, bags of dog food and anything else unnecessary. An extra 100 pounds of stuff can reduce your mileage by 2%, more for smaller vehicles.
Find more helpful tips at FuelEconomy.gov. And if you want to see how reliable your car is overall, check out Edmunds. Ready to trade up? Our new Car Guide is a great place to start to find the best deals in the Castro Valley area.
