Saving At The Pump

Many Missouri used car dealers have many fuel efficient used cars for sale complete with guaranteed auto credit. If you’ve recently purchase a fuel efficient used car you rest easy knowing you’re playing a positive role in saving the environment and saving money at the fuel pump. There are, however, driving habits that, if followed, will end up saving you even more money at the pump.

1. Slow your acceleration. Racing away from that red light will end up costing you. Obviously the harder and faster you press on the gas pedal, the more gas is pumped into the engine.
2. Lay off the gas pedal sooner rather than later. By anticipating the red light or taking a few extra yards to coast before coming to a stop, you give the engine a rest. Not only will you extend the life of your brake pads, but this habit can improve your fuel economy, in city driving, by up to 35%.
3. Abide by the speed limit. Even if you are not rapidly accelerating, speeding wastes gas. Simple physics states the faster you go, the more air your vehicle has to push out of its way.

Driving at 75mph as opposed to 65mph may reduce your fuel economy by between three and five miles per gallon.

1. Back off. Tail gaiting is never a good idea. By tail gaiting you significantly reduce your reaction time to quick stops and other sudden changes in the traffic pattern, but you also eliminate your own ability to scan ahead and practice safe, defensive driving. Tail gaiting also wastes gas. Each time the driver in front of you slows down, you have to slow down even more. Then you accelerate again, in order to get back up to speed. This type of inconsistent and rough driving will end up costing you extra at the pump.
2. Driving while idling. It used to be that you would waste more gas restarting your car than you would if you let it idle while waiting. Now with more fuel efficient vehicles, that is no longer the case. Your fuel efficient vehicle takes very little gas to restart. You’re better off shutting it off when you would normally idle.