Advice for Road Trips
22 Mai 2008 - 3:00PM
Business Wire
As the weather warms up, the open road invites us to jump in our
vehicles, roll down the windows and turn up the radio. But with gas
prices high, drivers are looking for ways to enhance their fuel
economy before hitting the pavement. �Don�t let the price of
gasoline spoil the fun of your family road trip,� says Jim
MacPherson, car care expert and automotive radio host for WTIC-AM
in Connecticut. �By taking a few simple steps you can save money at
the pump and ensure the family vehicle is ready to reach your
destination safely.� As a show host, MacPherson is often asked
questions about fuel economy, vehicle maintenance and driver
safety, particularly as drivers prepare for summer road trips. Here
are some of the most common questions callers ask, and his
responses to them. Q: We plan on driving to our destination for the
family vacation this year. Are there ways we can keep gasoline
costs down? A: Yes, there are several things you can do to enhance
fuel economy. For starters, take your vehicle in for a basic tune
up. A poorly tuned engine will burn more fuel. Also, keep tires
inflated to the proper pressure levels and change the air filter
regularly. Consider switching to a fuel efficient motor oil such as
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy. It can deliver up to 2 percenta fuel
economy improvement, and this fully synthetic motor oil will
protect your engine in extreme temperatures. For additional cost
savings, travel in a mid-size sedan, rather than taking a full-size
SUV. If you�re concerned about the space consider shipping
recreational equipment to your destination or renting items once
you have arrived. Q: What checks of the vehicle should we make
before starting out? A: Plan ahead for your next road trip and
schedule a maintenance service at least two weeks prior to heading
out. This will allow for plenty of time for repairs should your
mechanic find a problem. A full check of the vehicle�s safety
systems will give you peace of mind while driving long distances.
Most importantly, be sure the vehicle�s tires and brakes are in
proper working order. Q: Are there any driving tips to make the
trip more economical? A: Allow plenty of time to reach your
destination so you�re not tempted to speed. Driving at high speeds
creates wind resistance and burns more fuel. When possible, try to
keep rapid acceleration and braking to a minimum, as this can
decrease fuel economy. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with
cruise control, I recommend using it. Cruise control smoothes
surges in acceleration and places the driver�s view on the road
ahead as opposed to responding to every shift in traffic around
them. Q: I�ve heard that a dirty car can hurt your fuel economy. Is
that true? A: Actually, yes. The dirt on your car�s exterior
creates drag that, over long distances, reduces your
miles-per-gallon. Keeping your vehicle washed and waxed will
improve your vehicle�s aerodynamics, improving your fuel economy.
You�ll also feel good about driving around in a clean vehicle. Q:
We are going to need to use the rooftop carrier on our vehicle, but
the warning label calls for a very low weight limit. Is the roof
really capable of supporting only 175 pounds? A: These weight
limits are often established with vehicle control and handling in
mind. Items latched to a roof rack raise the vehicle�s center of
gravity. Check your owner�s manual and follow the weight
restrictions on the warning labels to ensure safe travels. For more
information about Mobil 1 products call 1-800-MOBIL25 or visit
www.mobil1.com a Delivers up to 2% fuel economy improvement. Based
on a comparison versus those grades most commonly used and a
potential 2% fuel economy improvement. Actual savings are dependent
upon vehicle/engine type, outside temperature, driving conditions,
and your current engine oil viscosity.
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