Whatever holidays you'll be celebrating this winter, chances are, travel is involved. Whether you're leaving St. Charles, or family is visiting you here, the holidays can be rife with stress.
Adding to the expense of gift-giving, you've got fuel cost to worry about.
Cut those fuel costs by using a few simple science-based tricks.
The amount of fuel it takes to move your car a set distance is a matter of physics. Unlock the formulas that determine energy consumption, and you can optimize your driving pattern to minimize fuel used.
One factor to consider is aerodynamics. If you drive a truck, make sure your tailgate is up or covered. If you drive a car, remove any extraneous accessories from the exterior, like antenna toppers, or roof racks.
Weight is another key factor. More weight, more energy needed to move the vehicle. Pack light for your trip, and consider giving the cabin a thorough cleaning and vacuum, as every ounce counts.
Don't forget friction. Under-inflated tires create more contact with the ground, increasing friction. While this may be desirable if roads are slippery, it will decrease your fuel economy by around 7%.
Then, there's speed. The faster you go, the harder your engines have to work. The optimal cruising speed is 55mph. If that seems painfully slow, especially on the highway, remember that the faster you drive, the worse your fuel economy will get. Keeping to the speed limit will pay off at the pump.
Visit AutoCenters St. Charles to learn more about getting the most out of your used vehicle.
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