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(ARA) – As the cost of driving seems to rise every day, drivers are looking to get the most out of every tank. While some use alternate modes of transportation, many people need their cars on a daily basis. For those in the driver’s seat, there are simple ways to increase fuel efficiency and save at the pump.
John and Helen Taylor can attest to that. The couple, who holds the Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency, set the record in 2006 when they averaged 52.1 miles per gallon in a record-setting road trip around the world. By using Shell “FuelStretch” tips, John and Helen were able to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency in their standard model Volkswagen Golf FSI 1.6.
“With the cost of vehicle ownership and car care growing every year, we all want to be more fuel efficient,” says Mark Ferner, Shell fuels engineer and ASE-certified technician. “Using money-saving driving techniques and car care tips is an easy way to help get the most out of every gasoline purchase.”
Following are Shell “FuelStretch” tips* designed to help drivers save money:
1. Drive smoothly: Avoid heavy acceleration or braking. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gasoline mileage by 5 percent at lower speeds around town and by 33 percent at highway speeds.
2. Replace dirty or clogged air filters: Replacing a dirty or clogged air filter with a clean one can improve gasoline mileage by as much as 10 percent. A car’s air filter can protect the engine from impurities.
3. Keep your engine well-tuned and repair any problems immediately: If your car has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gasoline mileage by 4 percent on average.
4. Make sure tires are not over or under-inflated: Proper air pressure cuts down on fuel used while driving. Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by more than 3 percent.
5. Minimize vehicle drag: Keep your trunk and back seat clear of unnecessary items that only add weight. Removing excess weight can improve your gasoline mileage.
6. Use the recommended grade of oil in your engine: Following your manufacturer’s motor oil recommendation can improve gasoline mileage by up to 2 percent. Look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives.
7. Choose a high-quality gasoline: Top automakers say that carbon deposits can build up on critical engine parts, which can decrease the power, performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen recommend using TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines to help keep engines clean. All Shell gasolines meet TOP TIER standards and stop gunky build-up on critical engine parts to help cars perform at their best.
8. Use cruise control on major roads and in free-flowing traffic: Maintaining a constant speed can improve gasoline mileage.
9. Avoid idling: When you idle, you get zero miles per gallon.
10. Avoid higher speeds: Gasoline mileage usually decreases when driving at speeds over 60 miles per hour.
11. Plan your outings to avoid separate trips: Combine your errands into one outing to avoid short separate trips. This helps avoid unnecessary cold starts and keeps your car’s engine running warm and more efficiently.
12. Pay with a rebate credit card: Credit cards offer a simple way to pay for things quickly, but using a rebate credit card means earning rewards with every purchase. For example, with a 5 percent rebate on Shell gasoline purchases and a 1 percent rebate on all other purchases**, the Shell Platinum MasterCard is one of the best rebate cards of its kind, helping consumers lower the cost of driving without sacrificing the quality of their gasoline.
Whether running errands around town or commuting to work, these money-saving driving techniques can help you use less fuel without drastically changing your lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch.