
WASHINGTON-
If you have to postpone buying a new car, you may want to think about it, not how to get the most out of your current car.
Start with a slowdown.
This is a suggestion from the Environmental Protection Agency on how to save gas and increase gas mileage.
S. Environmental Protection Agency says aggressive driving methods such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can reduce gasoline mileage by 33% on highways and by 5% in town.
Gasoline mileage usually drops rapidly at a speed of more than 60 miles per hour.
That means more than 60 kilometers per gallon and 24 cents per hour for five miles, the agency said.
Dan Edmunds said the test showed that drivers can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% by adjusting their driving behavior and reduce fuel consumption by 15% by keeping close to the speed limit, the vehicle testing director of the automotive research website.
"Speed has a lot of impact, especially on the highway, and how free you are to use the throttle," Edmunds said . ".
You can also increase mileage by removing unnecessary heavy items from your vehicle, using cruise control on the highway, and careful maintenance.
EPA recommends keeping the engine properly adjusted, regularly checking and replacing air filters, keeping the tires properly inflated and using the oil grade recommended by the manufacturer.
"There must be a greater focus on keeping your car running," Edmunds said . ".
"More people are interested in keeping the car they have, because they may not run out and buy a new one.
"Finally, the EPA says planning a trip can greatly improve fuel efficiency.
Several short trips can use twice as much fuel as a long trip, and can cover the same distance when the engine warms.