November 2, 2008
Simple Ways To Improve Gas Mileage In Your Car!
These days, it seems like the oil companies are just out to rob us. Gas prices have inflated to beyond ridiculous, along with everything else, while our economy grinds to a slow, painful stop. Most people are just busy trying to figure out how to stay afloat, and want to learn how they can improve gas mileage to save money.
There are several methods that help to improve gas mileage, some of them that are very effective, and others that really don't make too much of a difference. It can be a bit of a pain trying to sift through them all, so I have gone to the trouble of finding the most common methods people are using right now to improve gas mileage, so I could pass them on to you.
First, change your oil, and get tuneups on a regular basis. Most people realize that if your car is tuned up and running like a top, then the energy used will be less than if your car has mechanical problems. Some basic things like changing the air filter, deteriorated hoses, and oil changes using the properly weight oil with friction reducers will all make a difference and improve gas mileage.
Another trick that works well, is getting rid of extra weight your car is carrying. Do away with luggage racks, since they create resistance, and decrease your gas mileage. Keeping your tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can also help to decrease resistance, the MPG gain is fairly small, but every little bit will help!
You'll also improve gas mileage by slowing down. Try driving at more reasonable speeds. Keeping your speed at 55 mph on the highway will increase your gas mileage by as much as 25%. That means no speeding when the "man" isn't around! You can also pick up a 14% in gas mileage just by turning on your cruise control.
Also, resist the impulse to drive like a maniac, like constantly slamming on your brakes or quickly accelerating. All that does is burn up valuable fuel and waste your dollars. The same goes for excessive idling. If you have a long wait at a drive through, or at the bank, shut your car down. Cutting back on unnecessary idling has been shown to improve gas mileage by as much as 19%. That is a pretty darn big savings if you think about it, just for remembering to do something simple like shut your car down instead of idling.
So many simple methods to improve gas mileage, and not enough space to cover them all! Just implementing even one of these can help you save money.
About the Author:
Sick of not having any money left after paying the utility bills? Find out how you can keep your money by using alternative energy power. Visit Technology Green to find out how you can cheaply provide your own home energy.
Filed under Automotive by Donald Marshall
October 22, 2008
Increase Your Gas Mileage: Add A Few Drops To Your Tank
With gas prices hovering well over $3 per gallon, it's no surprise that drivers are looking for ways to realize better fuel economy and cut their costs at the gas pump. And while most gadgets on the market claiming to increase your vehicle's gas mileage are scams, there is an inexpensive, commonly found additive that will in fact increase your mileage per gallon.
Better yet, this additive has been around for decades, and it's available at your corner hardware store, auto parts store, and even most drug stores. The additive is acetone, it's perfectly safe, and just a few drops added to your gas tank will increase your vehicle's gas mileage by 3 to 4 miles per gallon.
What Is Acetone?
Acetone is a colorless liquid that is commonly found in many pharmaceuticals, paints, and lubricating oil. In essence, it's an additive that helps reduce surface tension (friction). Normally, acetone is available in 16 ounce cans and is usually sold for about $3.
How Does It Work?
Without getting too technical, a few drops of acetone added to a gas tank helps improve the fuel's ability to vaporize. What this means is fuel that vaporizes easier causes less friction throughout the engine, thereby using less energy and gas. Think of it like any other lubricant ... the smoother an engine operates, the less energy is needed to provide power. Further, a smoother engine with less friction will emit fewer harmful hydrocarbons into the air.
How Much Acetone Should I Use And How Much Money Will I Save?
Three of four drops of acetone per gas tank is plenty. Use an eye dropper to prevent using too much. We find that using a few drops every other tank is sufficient. On average, with all other conditions being equal, you'll find your gas mileage increased by about 15%. That means an average 14 gallon gas tank will actually give you about 15 1/2 gallons worth of mileage and performance. Given the cost of gas at $3 per gallon minimum, you'll be saving about $4.50 per tank. If you fill up once a week, that's a savings of almost $250 per year.
Other Benefits Of Acetone
Because acetone works, in effect, as a lubricant of sorts, you'll notice an increase in engine power and longevity of the engine. This is because acetone vaporizes most of the gasoline fluid and helps the engine operate with less stress. If you have a diesel vehicle, you'll find acetone particularly helpful. You'll notice much less black smoke emissions and exhaust soot.
Summary
Acetone, a commonly available additive, is one of the best additions you can add to your fuel tank to improve fuel economy. You'll typically realize a 15% increase in your gas mileage using just a few drops of acetone on alternating fill ups. Be sure to follow proper handling and storage instructions, just as you would with any other chemical. Finally, keep your vehicle maintained. Poor routine maintenance habits are the biggest cause of substandard fuel economy.
About the Author:
Would you like to learn other proven, simple techniques to improve the gas mileage in your car? A few easy changes in your driving habits will save you well over $500 per year at the gas pump. To find out how, visit us at http://www.increase-gas-mileage.info . This and other unique content 'finance' articles are available with free reprint rights.
Filed under Automotive by Jim Hofman
October 18, 2008
Camper Van Facilities
Recreational vehicles often come with just the basic facilities to serve your needs. If you want to purchase or rent a motorhome or camper van, you may wish to consider what optional extras could help you enjoy a more comfortable journey. Many first timers are often swayed by the external looks of a camper, that they forget about what facilities they actually require and end up paying a lot extra later on. Optional extras are often cheaper when taken at the time of a new van purchase.
When choosing a RV to rent or buy, its a good idea to consider the size of the camper or motorhome with regards to the size of your family. Young children take up a lot less space than a few teenagers. Size is just one of several factors to take into account as well as whether you wish to rent or purchase a relatively new or used vehicle.
Consider some of the available optional extras in the next few paragraphs and deciding whether these are an absolute must for you now, could save you money in the long term. New or used, buying or renting choosing the right mix of extras can make all the difference to a long road trip.
Camper vans are designed to maximize the available space within the vehicles footprint. Obviously, larger vans will mostly result in more space. Deciding how much space you require is a personal choice that you have to make. One thing to note is that you will generally have less space when the camper is set up for bedtime. It is often in the daytime that you will require the most space for ease of movement. Space costs, so try and find a balance that suits your budget.
After deciding on the space required during the day and night, there are a few other options you may wish to consider. In the kitchen and living areas you could have a microwave, an oven, gas rings, an air con unit or even a widescreen television complete with sound system. This is where you could really blow your budget and I guess comes down to how much of your time you intend to stay in the van. The upholstery and furnishings can all be upgraded or even customized to your exact specification. One thing that is becoming more popular is the use of solar panels to drive some of the campers electricals.
One option you may wish to include is a driver's leather seat. High quality leather is durable and comfortable particularly for long journeys. You may also wish to consider more storage space, there are optional extra compartments that come in a variety of sizes. Some of the larger extra compartments usually include water drains in case you have to store liquids. Smaller compartments may not have such features and are often found at floor level, but still offer some great storage space.
Campers with simple designs and minimalistic decorations not only make the van interior look more spacious, but can also be very stylish and elegant. Some extras you may wish to consider are flushing toilets and a functional shower. However, as always remember that for all such improvements it is best to keep as much space available for interior movement, so that your extras do not impede on your comfort levels.
US $500.00
About the Author:
Want to rent a motorhome, discover a wide range of British based motorhome and camper van hire companies here.
Filed under Automotive by John Douglas