How to Get Hybrid Fuel Economy without Buying a New Car
With the economy in a downward spiral, people are looking to save money wherever they can. Not long ago, it seemed hybrid automobiles were the answer to spending less on gas and driving further on each tank. But there are simple ways to get better fuel economy from your current vehicle without having to buy an expensive hybrid.
Here are a few easy ways to get hybrid-like fuel economy without buying a new car or even changing your lifestyle.
- Simply follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner’s manual. An out-of-tune engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. Always follow your car manufacturer’s suggested tune-up schedule.
- Upgrade your motor oil. You can save gas and improve performance by switching to high performance synthetic motor oil. According to independent tests, upgrading to Royal Purple motor oil improved fuel economy by as much as five percent and produced notable increases in horsepower and torque. You can find a fuel savings calculator at RoyalPurple.com that shows you how much money you can save annually just by upgrading lubricants.
- Regularly replace your air filter. A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine.
- Keep the tires of your vehicle properly inflated. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to six percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to two billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.
- Keep your gas cap on. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the road have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year according to “Auto Service Operator” magazine. A quick visual inspection of your gas cap every time you fill up is an easy, painless way to make sure your fuel (and your money) is not vanishing into thin air.