Willmar Auto

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320-235-0818
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Willmar Auto

Fuel Saving Tips

Did you know: Every ten days, motorists who drive with under-inflated tires and poorly maintained engines waste 70 million gallons of gasoline!
  • If your car has 'Cruise Control" use it. Using cruise control will save you 5% to 10% of a gallon of gas on long trips.
  • Avoid constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator when driving. This practices not only wastes fuel, but it puts excessive wear on the drive train of your car.
  • Pass other cars as soon as you see you are overtaking them. Don't wait.
  • During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Un-removed snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.
  • Keep tires properly inflated at all times. (Check pressure when cold).
  • Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.
  • Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes increases resistance.
  • Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.
  • Use snow tires and/or chains as little as necessary because they make your car work harder and use more gasoline.
Fuel saving tips from Willmar Auto Sales & Service
  • Keep front-end aligned for better mileage. Longer tire life, too.
  • Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car.
  • Operate as small a car as possible for your driving needs. (Small cars weighing half as much as large cars use about half as much gasoline!)
  • Consider car-pooling and share the gas bill and ride. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater 'steady speed" economy.
  • Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional-misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
  • Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to 'volume of measurement".
  • Never rev engine before killing it. This wastes gas, wears out cylinders.
  • When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed on the slope. (If you must accelerate on the hill, you will use much more fuel). Then coast down the other side.
  • When starting your car avoid prolonged warming up of engine, 30 to 45 seconds, even in cold weather. Today's cars are designed to be driven almost immediately.
  • In hot climates, drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to reflect light, heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat buildup.
  • Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
  • Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the 'green light' all the way.
  • Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e. g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
  • Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill in heat or on a hill.
  • Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.
  • Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load, the more loads on your engine, the fewer miles per gallon.
  • Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.
  • Avoid panic stops. When possible, coast to stops such as traffic lights.
  • Don't ride your brake pedal, this wears out your brake linings pre-maturely, and wastes fuel. Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking.
  • Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag,
  • Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
  • Don't speed. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph then at 70 mph.
  • Don't race or gun your engine when you start it up. Accelerate slowly and smoothly when your engine is cold.
  • Always use the shortest route and avoid sight-seeing trips and bottlenecks.
  • Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to carry.
  • On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.
  • When bargain hunting, check newspaper ads and use your telephone, do they deliver? Let them pay for the gas! Try mail order firms, too.
  • Make certain your gas cap fits properly. (We suggest a locking gas cap) During the summer and in hot area's gas can evaporate from your car if the gas cap does not fit properly. You could easily loose 5 or more gallons per month! So a properly fitting gas cap could pay for itself in less than a month!
© Willmar Auto 2003 - 2024
202 County Road 9 NE
Willmar, Minnesota 56201
320-235-0818