 Summer TravelWith fuel prices down and summer driving season upon us, the time is right for that all-American tradition, the summer road trip. But, the economy being what it is, we can all use a few tips on how to save where we can. So, before you hit the road, we thought you could use a few ideas on how to improve your gas mileage, save a few bucks, and maybe even help the environment along the way. Improving Gas Mileage Follow these simple tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at www.fueleconomy.gov, and you can drastically improve your fuel economy (up to 33% in some cases). Just RelaxWe know you like a car that performs (c'mon, you bought a Mitsubishi after all). But taking the lead out of your foot can really pay off at the pump. The fact is, the single biggest thing you can do to improve your gas mileage (between 5% and 33%) is to simply accelerate more slowly and stop more gradually. Slow it DownDriving at or below the speed limit is the next best thing you can do to improve fuel economy. You may get to your destination a few minutes later, but you can save 7% (up to 23%) on a long trip. And slowing it down can actually give you some time to enjoy the view. Cruisin'Using cruise control is not only stress reducing, but can seriously improve your gas mileage. Tests have consistently shown that you can improve your gas mileage under normal highway driving conditions. Just be aware that if you're doing a lot of mountain driving, you may get better results with the cruise control off. Tire PressureRegardless of fuel savings, tire pressure is an important factor in tire wear, tread life, handling and safety. So, it's still a good idea to check your tire pressure often, and especially before heading out on a long trip. This can pay off in better fuel economy too, up to 3% according to the EPA. Idle TimeRemember that old myth that starting your car wastes more gas than idling? Not true. An idling car gets 0 miles per gallon. If you plan on stopping for more than a minute, turning the car off can improve your fuel economy. Lighten Your LoadFor every 100 lbs. of cargo (or people) in your vehicle, your fuel economy drops by between 1% and 2%. And, tying luggage to your roof rack or attaching anything to your vehicle that results in more air resistance will lower your fuel economy as well. Is Your Ship in Shape?Before you embark on your road trip, it's always a good idea to make sure your car is running well. In fact, tests have shown that keeping your engine properly tuned can make a big difference - up to a 4% savings over an engine in poor tune. Keep it MovingPlan your trips to avoid rush hour and construction slow downs. The less time you spend in stop and go traffic, the better your gas mileage will be. If you're lucky enough to have Mitsubishi's award-wining navigation system, use it to plan the best route ahead of time. It's Your Environment Too. It's easy to make a difference when it comes to the environment, and every little bit helps. Here are a number of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and save yourself some cash along the way. CarpoolSpend some quality time with your friends, family and colleagues, save money and help the environment all at the same time. And, if you have a recent Mitsubishi with a navigation system, use Diamond Lane Guidance™ to find the quickest route using high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) or carpool lanes. Maintain your MaintenanceKeeping up with scheduled maintenance keeps your car running better and producing fewer emissions (and it also helps save on fuel). Repair LeaksSome older AC units contain chlorofluorocarbons (such as Freon), which is not the kind of stuff you want pooling on your driveway. If you suspect you have an AC leak, bring your car into your Mitsubishi dealer as soon as possible. Don't Top it OffTopping off the gas tank is a bad idea for a lot of reasons. Most gas stations' nozzles have sensors that shut off when the sensor is covered with gas. Anything you pump after that either goes back into the station's tanks, spills on the ground or will spill out for the next person who uses the pump. That's gas you're paying for and it's not going in your tank. Any spilled gas creates toxic runoff that can harm wildlife and their natural environments. Spillage also results in vapors that are harmful to breathe, contribute to air pollution and damage the ozone. Also, your car's gas tank needs extra room because gas expands as it warms. Too much gas in your tank could damage your car's vapor collection system, cause your car to run sluggishly and produce even more emissions. |