| Bloomfield,
CT 06002 |
|
September
14 2005 |
| |
The
high price of gas doesn't have to bust your budget. According to
the Federal Trade Commission, what you spend at the pump depends
on how you drive and what you use to fill your tank.
Most autos produced operate efficiently on low octane gas,
according to the FTC. In addition, with proper care, newer model
cars can be driven further between standard maintenance and
tune-ups, racking up additional savings.
Here is how you can fuel better driving habits and make fewer
trips to the pump, according to the FTC.
- Choose the right octane gasoline for your car. Octane ratings
measure gasoline's ability to resist engine knock. Check your
owner's manual to find out what octane your engine needs, then buy
it! Resist the urge to buy higher-octane gas for
"premium" performance. Most cars don't need a
high-octane gas to perform properly and efficiently.
- According to the FTC and the AAA, experts say that about five
percent of the cars sold in the United States require premium
gasoline, yet premium gas accounts for 18 percent of all gasoline
sold. Moreover, premium gas sells for an average of 16 cents more
per gallon than regular gas. It could differ now because of the
increase of gas prices at the pump.
- Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Properly inflated
tires provide less road-resistance and can improve fuel
efficiency. Check your owner's manual for the guide to appropriate
inflation levels. This information is usually available on the
jamb of the driver's side door.
- Keep your engine maintained. Make sure that you change the spark
plus and filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Don't sit with your engine idling for more than a few minutes.
- Drive smart. Stay within posted speed limits. Driving at high
speeds, especially on long driving trips uses more gasoline. For
example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph,
increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent.
"Jack-rabbit" starts and stops also are "fuelish."
- Don't use your air-conditioning all of the time.
- If you have an extra load in your car, unload it! Extra weight
costs in gas mileage.
- Carpool. To find carpoolers where you live, click on www.rideshare.com
or call 800-972-3279.
- Don't joyride at this time of a crisis. It was reported to me
that a group of people went to Newport in consecutive weekends to
have dinner there! Try your local restaurants and save gas.
Other Options
Some consumers are trying out Costco, BJ's and other wholesale
clubs who have gas pumps.
BJ's in Connecticut is having an open house to bring in new
members and having a special for membership of $30 instead of $40
for its membership for the next two months.. |
| |
Cynthia
Bercowetz (consumreye@aol.com)
Author/Consumer Advocate
22 Oak Lane
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone : 860-243-2208 |
|