TOP fuel efficiency tips

See your rate

Gas mileage normally peaks at a speed of 40-55 mph (64-89 km/h) while using your cars top equipment.     It can vary significantly between cars based on weight, engine, the gearing and drag, but after 60 mph it generally declines significantly. Research from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory comparing the fuel economy of 74 vehicles at rates of 50, 60, 70 and 80 mph shows each 10 mph beyond 50 mph reduces fuel economy. More simply put, from 50 to 60 mph fuel market drops by 12 percent, from 50 to 70 mph it drops by 25 percent, and by 50 to 80 mph it drops by 36%. If you are a bit of a lead foot slowing down can improve your fuel economy.     You can go as slow as is secure, but dividends can be paid by cutting 10 mph and will probably create your driving smoother also.

Lose some weight

Possessing weight on your vehicle wastes fuel, particularly during acceleration.     When there is heavy stuff on your boot you do not want, ditch it. Losing 100 lbs (45 kg) will improve economy by around 2%.     Actually the push is playing a leading role in improving fuel economy in new cars.

Don't be a drag

Once you get to about 30  mph (48 km/h)  a car uses more power to overcome wind resistance than it does fighting rolling resistance.     So you need your vehicle to be as aerodynamic as possible. Having your sun roof windows or open down may increase drag a bit at greater rates.     Estimates vary widely on this from a 1% to a reduction in fuel economy, although leaving bike rack or a roof box on will have a larger effect.

Track Your Mileage in Real Time

That's really not enough, although being aware of what your ingestion looks like from tank-to-tank is vital. Being aware of what mileage you are getting in time--being able to compare it with everything you got or even 10 minutes ago--is the approach. Ecomodding combines the love of saving money and adding gadgets to my vehicle. Individuals with cars have it relatively simple: All you need to do is throw some cash at a fuel-economy computer such as the Scangauge, and you instrumented. For cars, explore the growing universe of DIY fuel-economy electronics, or you might need to get your knuckles dirty by installing a vacuum gauge, which measures how hard the engine is working, such as the arduino-based MPGuino. In any event, a conscious mind combined with instant comments should get you that 10 percent that is instant.