 |  | | | While prices at the pump are escalating to record heights, most motorists are getting less out of a tank of gas. Average fuel economy for 2001 model-year cars and light trucks is 24.5 miles per gallon, the worst since 1980 according to the Transportation Department. The average-fuel-economy standard is set by federal regulations at 27.7 for cars and 20.7 for light trucks. The actual mpg for all model-year 2001 cars was 28.7 mpg. Light trucks and SUVs, which nearly half of American motorists drive, achieved an average fuel economy of only 20.9 mpg.
The Energy Information Administration, which surveys 800 service stations nationwide, reports that the cost of regular unleaded gas is up 22 cents from last year. The department forecasts that the national gasoline price could climb to more than $1.75 a gallon this summer—and some parts of the country could see prices hit $3.00 a gallon.
Mileage Mastering
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There are ways to stretch a tank of gas, but it means altering driving habits and keeping an eye on maintenance. A few alterations to normal driving techniques can squeeze as much as 10% more out of a tank of gas, according to the AAA.
On the highway, more than 50% of the energy required to keep rolling is aimed at overcoming aerodynamic drag. As the pedal hits the metal, the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance increase. That's why the 55-mph speed limit was clamped on the highways in the '70s. Above 55 mph, fuel economy takes a dive. So by cutting highway cruising speeds to 65 mph instead of 70 mph, gas is conserved. When you use overdrive gearing, the engine speed decreases, reducing both fuel consumption and engine wear. On the open highway, utilizing cruise control maintains a constant speed and can also help reduce fuel consumption.
Nearly 50% of the energy needed to power a car goes into acceleration. A pattern of "rabbiting" through traffic with sudden stops and squealing accelerations wastes a lot of gas. Eliminating tailgating from driving habits and the resulting unnecessary braking and acceleration can improve fuel economy by 5% to 10% and reduces wear on tires and brakes.
Tips
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Here are some other gas saving tips from the Alliance to Save Energy, a coalition of business, government, environmental, and consumer groups:
> Keep tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure reduces gas mileage and causes increased tread wear. You can lose up to 6% of fuel efficiency for every pound per square inch (psi) below the manufacturer's minimum recommendation.
> Turn off your engine if you are stopping for more than 30 seconds. Restarting your car takes less gasoline than idling.
> Remove unused luggage, bicycle or ski racks and other extra weight you may have in your car. Every 200 pounds of unnecessary weight reduces mileage by one mile per gallon. (Yet another reason to go on that diet!)
> Have your tires properly balanced and keep the vehicle "in alignment" to get the best gas mileage.
> Plan your trip before you leave. Getting lost or having to backtrack wastes fuel and frays tempers.
> Service your vehicle regularly. Keeping a vehicle well maintained keeps it operating efficiently and reduces fuel usage. Replace air filters and fuel filters regularly. A new oxygen sensor alone can improve gas mileage by as much as 15%.
> Turn off the air conditioner whenever you can. Running you're A/C causes extra work for the engine, which lowers fuel efficiency by 5-10%.
Resources
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AAA, www.aaa.com
Alliance to Save Energy, www.ase.org
Energy Information Administration, www.eia.doe.gov
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