Drivers are hitting the highways more than ever. Since 1970, Americans have increased their vehicle miles traveled by 155 percent, according to a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report.
Coupled with the rising cost of fuel, this increase in miles driven means that performing regular vehicle maintenance is more important than ever.
That's because service issues such as underinflated tires, clogged fuel injectors and air filters as well as dirty spark plugs can make engines and other vehicle components work harder. An engine that has to work harder uses more fuel.
"Americans can save fuel and help the environment by being conscientious about maintaining their vehicles," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Parts Operations. "Regular vehicle inspections by expert technicians like those at GM Goodwrench dealerships, along with maintenance, such as keeping tires properly inflated, can help improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and achieve optimal performance."
Mr. Goodwrench offers these tips to help you get more miles out of a gallon of gasoline.
*Take your time: By driving 65 mph instead of 70 mph, you'll save gas. It will take only slightly longer to get to your destination, but each extra hour you spend driving because of a reduction in speed can save you $5. Owners of larger trucks and SUVs may save as much as $10 for each extra hour they drive.
*Don't get that overloaded feeling: Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical vehicle's fuel economy by 1 percent to 2 percent.
*Simplified Maintenance: If you own a GM vehicle equipped with the GM Oil Life System (OLS), you can use the Simplified Maintenance plan to save time, money and oil. The plan calls for you to visit your GM Goodwrench dealership only when your "Change Oil" light comes on, instead of every 3,000 miles.
*No burnouts, please: Accelerate evenly from a standstill. Avoid rapid acceleration, overrevving your engine and transmission downshifting. Rapid acceleration can cost up to 12 miles per gallon.
Here are some other money-saving tips that could be music to your ears -- literally. The EPA estimates it's possible to save nearly $700 on fuel in one year, simply by:
- filling a 16-gallon fuel tank once a week,
- replacing air filters regularly,
- keeping tires properly inflated and
- using the manufacturer's recommended oil grade.
Do you drive an SUV? Consider these money saving tips.
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