Not sure how many of you are taking steps to care for the health of Planet Earth, but I know that just about everyone is looking for ways to make a tank of gas last longer.. Someone emailed me this list and thought I would share.
Here are ten ways to save money on gas and pollute less while you save:
1. Keep your car well-maintained. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. While you're having the air filter replaced, have the mechanic check out your oil and fuel filters, too.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated and balanced to prevent excess drag on your engine. This can improve fuel economy by up to one mile per gallon. Depending on the size of your gas tank, you could get an extra 20 miles per tank.
3. Drive the speed limit. Gas mileage drops the faster you drive. Each 5 mph over 60 mph is equivalent to paying an extra 10 cents per gallon for gas. In a 20-gallon tank, that's adding an extra $2 to your gas bill for every 5-mile increment over 60 mph.
4. Avoid aggressive driving, jackrabbit starts and quick stops. At highway speeds, you'll lower your gas mileage by about 33 percent. By maintaining a constant speed and driving sensibly, you could save as much as 50 cents a gallon.
5. Drive less by combining your errands. Several separate short trips from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer trip when your vehicle's engine is already warmed up.
6. Avoid idling in drive-through lanes. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine. Turn off the engine if you know you will have a long wait. Better still, park and go inside.
7. Travel light. Carrying an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle makes your engine work harder and use more gas. A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by up to five percent. Reduce drag by removing heavy items from your vehicle that you don't need to carry around.
8. Use multi-grade motor oil labeled "energy conserving" to improve your gas mileage. Using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can reduce fuel efficiency by up to two percent.
9. Stop at the "click" -- when you fill up, don't top off your tank. Spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates, and it's like dropping spare change on the ground.
10. If your vehicle has a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, shift into your overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have a manual transmission, remember the lower the shift speed, the better your fuel economy.
And if you want to find another way to make your budget balance despite high gas prices, call us at 800-593-4242 or go to our website www.bergeninsurance.com, available 24/7. Well find lower prices for auto, home, mobile home, cycle, boat, RV, and more and the more policies you have the larger your discount. If you call for a new quote mention code gas (or go to the website and put in notes) and well send you a gift while supplies last. Thank you again for trusting us with your insurance needs!
Bruce