Auto News & Features, Car Information » Fuel Efficiency

Back to Basics at the Pump

Jennifer — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:19:13 +0000

A big part of engine maintenance is making sure you select the right type of gasoline for your vehicle.

By Dr. FuelGood (Sam Memmolo, ASE certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell)

(ARA) – For most drivers, filling up at the pump is an automatic routine. But considering that cars are typically one of our largest investments, it’s important to remember the way we take care of them can mean the difference between trouble-free driving and costly repairs.

Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell, who has the following advice on the best care for your car:

A big part of engine maintenance is making sure you select the right type of gasoline for your vehicle. Not only is it essential to use the recommended octane (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline), but it’s also important to make sure your fuel has enough cleaning agents to protect your engine. Let’s get back to the basics to help you better understand what you’re putting into your car.

Octane
You probably associate octane with the number you see at the pumps (the higher the number the more premium the fuel), but the technical explanation for octane is the measure of the fuel’s ability to resist “engine knock.” If you use a lower octane rating in an engine designed to use higher octane fuel, “engine knocking” might occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Most modern electronic engine management systems can sense this knocking and make adjustments to prevent serious engine damage, but downgrading to a lower octane can mean reduced performance and lower fuel economy.

Since not every car is the same, different vehicles require different octane gasoline. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the appropriate octane level is listed in your owner’s manual. Some vehicles may even have the octane requirement noted on the fuel gauge or the fuel filler cap. If your vehicle’s engine is designed to run on regular grade unleaded gasoline, that’s all it should require. However, using octane above the recommended level will not harm the engine. If you are experiencing engine knocking in an older car that recommends low octane, using a higher octane grade may help correct the problem (however, it’s also recommended to have your car serviced). If you have a performance or luxury vehicle that requires a higher octane level, I recommend you use the rating specified in order to achieve optimal engine performance.

Cleaning Agents
The enemy of engine performance and efficiency is engine “gunk,” or harmful carbon deposits. The gunky build-up is the result of various chemical processes that occur during engine operation, creating a build-up of residue on intake valves and fuel injectors. This gunk acts like a sponge, absorbing and trapping gasoline which can result in decreased engine performance.

Some of the world’s top automakers — Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen — recognize that current Environmental Protection Agency minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine gunk and ensure optimal engine performance. To try to raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines.

Choosing a gasoline for your vehicle is like choosing a meal for your body — healthy choices can make a difference. Fortunately, preventing engine gunk is easy. Shell recently introduced TOP TIER-certified Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, containing a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps protect and clean critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines.

No matter what octane level is required for your vehicle, I recommend you always use a high-quality gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance.

The Bottom Line
While most engines will work regardless of the fuel grade or quality, it’s important to understand that using a higher quality gasoline can be a simple step to help maintain your engine and its vital components. In today’s tough economy, American drivers are concerned about protecting the health of their vehicles. Not all gasolines are the same — the differences in product quality are real. To keep overall costs down, there is no substitute for preventive maintenance.

For more information about Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline and fuel tips, visit www.passionate-experts.shell.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Desperate to Ease Pain at the Gas Pump? Here’s How

Jennifer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:25:47 +0000

Desperate to Ease Pain at the Gas Pump? Here’s How

Can’t recall the last time you paid less than $40 for a tank of gas? You’re not alone. With prices already topping $4 per gallon in places like Chicago and New York City, and demand expected to rise this summer, you may be willing to try just about anything to curb gas consumption and costs.

“It’s possible to improve gas mileage in virtually any vehicle,” advises Bill Schumacher , an automotive expert with NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation. “You can improve your vehicle’s gas mileage by making some simple changes to the way you travel.”

Better Driving Equals Better Mileage

One of the most important thing you can do to improve your gas mileage is to simply drive smarter. That means staying within the speed limit, avoiding aggressive driving, and braking and starting smoothly.

“Being a polite driver isn’t just a nice thing to do, it can help you conserve gas and save money,” Schumacher points out. In fact, Edmunds.com tested the theory that moderate driving could result in improved gas mileage and found that moderate driving reduced gas consumption an average of 31 percent, with lower speed driving saving an average of 12 percent.

Use cruise control whenever possible on level highways, but avoid using it in hilly roads where it forces the engine to labor to maintain speed. Instead, maintain speed going up the hill and remove your foot from the gas pedal on the downside, allowing gravity to do the job of moving the car. Edmunds found that smart use of cruise control improved gas efficiency an average of 7 percent.

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

“Driving lost can lead to backtracking, excessive idling and unnecessary miles – all major gas wasters,” warns Schumacher. “There’s a reason why the big transport companies like FedEx and UPS pre-plan drivers’ routes; knowing where you’re going ahead of time means you’re less likely to waste gas driving aimlessly.”

For daily driving tasks, compare routes to see which one is likely to save the most gas. Remember, the shortest distance is not necessarily the best gas-saving route. Idling – the kind you would do in heavy stop-and-go traffic – can consume up to a gallon of gas or more per hour, according to Benjamin Jones, co-founder of the Web site Ecomodder. You may save gas with a route that is slightly longer in miles, but where less traffic allows you to keep moving at a consistent, moderate pace.

If you’re planning a long summer road trip, or even just heading somewhere new locally, make sure your route is as direct as possible. Consult a map or the Internet. If you have a newer vehicle, use your in-dash navigation system, and if you don’t have one, consider investing in a portable device. Those devices offer a lot of information on your favorite brands, whether it’s coffee, gas or a hotel chain you seek, your GPS device will help locate and identify a smart route.

Because traffic conditions change daily, be sure you’re using the most current information available. Update the map on your on-board navigation or handheld device by logging on to www.navteq.com and visiting their store. Or use www.traffic.com to get information if you don’t have a navigation system. The site can also be accessed from any Web-equipped cell phone at http://mobi.traffic.com, or by calling the (866) MY-TRAFC (866-698-7232) traffic hotline.

Choose People Power

If you are out walking or biking, consider equipping your bicycle with a carry basket. A trip to the post office or grocery store can become a cost-savings and health-benefiting excursion if you bike or walk. “It’s been said the human body is the most efficient engine ever built,” Schumacher comments. “Walking or biking for short trips is the ultimate way to save on gas costs. Plus, it’s good for the environment and your health.”

When driving, consider wearing thin-soled shoes or – if the law in your state permits – driving barefoot. The sensitivity of your skin will help you brake and accelerate gently, improving gas mileage.

Make smart use of the discounts and incentives many businesses are using to win and keep customers. Choose gas stations that offer cash back programs. Many entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants have begun offering discounts and incentives to reward patrons for spending the money on a drive to their destination.

Finally, use people power to avoid long idle times, which can consume up to a gallon of gas per hour. Stopping at the bank, a fast food joint or the pharmacy? Get out and go inside instead of heading for the drive-through.

“Not only will you slash gas-wasting idle time, you’ll begin working off those fast food calories on the walk back to the car,” Schumacher jokes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Green, Gas-saving Secrets of Summer Vacation Driving

Jennifer — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:22:07 +0000

Millions of Americans will hit the roads during the warm weather months. Whether they’re in the car on business or vacation, many drivers will likely share two major concerns: how they can reduce the impact their motoring has on the environment and on their wallets.

“Gas consumption – and prices – historically rise with the temperature as more people drive for work or pleasure during the warmer months,” says Sue Pinera, environmental programs director of the Hertz Corp., leaders in the rental car industry.“But you can definitely drive green and save yourself some money without having to trade in your reliable, reasonably priced family vehicle for a new one that features the latest eco-friendly technology.”

Summer vacations often mean extra driving, either to your destination in your own vehicle or, if you fly, in a rental car once you’re there. “Of all summer driving, vacation driving can be the most costly and least green,” Pinera points out. “Whether it’s spending time stuck in traffic or driving in circles looking for an attraction site in an unfamiliar location, there are plenty of opportunities to waste gas.”

Car rental agents, who work in tourist areas across the country leasing a variety of vehicles, have seen everything that works – and doesn’t work – when it comes to conserving gas, saving money and preserving the environment while vacation driving. Here are some tips from agents at Hertz for smart vacation driving:

In Your Own Car

* Have your car thoroughly checked out before going on a long vacation road trip. Be sure tires are properly inflated, oil and oil and air filters are fresh, and the air-conditioning is working properly. “Just $100 in preventative maintenance can save you real dollars in terms of fuel efficiency and a great deal of aggravation if you happen to catch a potentially serious problem before you break down on the roadside,” Pinera says.

* Drive smoothly and considerately. Aggressive driving – fast starts, excessive speed, abrupt maneuvers and constant braking – is not only dangerous, it significantly increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption. “You’ll enjoy the ride more and spend less on gas if you just drive friendly,” Pinera says.

* Only use premium fuel if your car’s manufacturer specifically recommends it for your engine type. Regular fuel costs less and premium will not improve your fuel efficiency in anything but a high-performance engine.

* Look for gas stations that offer pumps with vapor-recovery nozzles. They look like black plastic accordions attached to the nozzle. These curb emissions. Likewise, never try to “top off” your tank with these nozzles. They’re designed to shut off when the gas tank is at its optimum fullness. Continuing to pump could lead to overfilling and spilling.

* Try to pack light and avoid putting anything on top of your vehicle. Rooftop storage may increase the risk of rollover in some types of vehicles, and increases drag, which lowers fuel efficiency in all kinds of autos.

In a Rental Car

* Whenever possible, choose a fuel-efficient model, such as a subcompact, compact or economy car. The good news is that these are usually the least expensive to rent from any company.

* Consider renting a hybrid. Hertz, for example, offers a “Green Collection” of rental cars that includes fuel-sipping hybrids like the Toyota Prius or other environmentally friendly vehicles like the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata, which feature an average Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway fuel efficiency rating of 31 miles per gallon.

* Paying the extra fee for a navigation system can go a long way towards saving you time (and money) driving around lost. “Navigation systems can help you find your way in unfamiliar territory, helping you reach your list of attractions with a minimum of time and gas lost,” Pinera says. “How you entertain the kids in the back seat, however, is entirely up to you.”

For more green driving tips, visit www.greencars.org or www.epa.gov/air/actions/drive_wise. To learn more about Hertz’s fleet of eco-friendly, fuel-saving vehicles, visit www.Hertz.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent