Fuel Conservation TIps from Fleet Management
As you are all aware, we continually struggle with rising gas prices in our personal lives. The City is no different and therefore we at Fleet Management would like to offer some suggestions/reminders about fuel conservation.
• Avoid extended idling. Idling consumes up to one gallon of fuel per hour.
• Avoid sudden acceleration and "jack rabbit" starts. Accelerate smoothly, but don't punch it. This will make an automatic transmission shift to a higher gear sooner.
• Don't speed. Observing the speed limit will improve your safety and increase your gas mileage.
• Check tire pressure regularly; at least once per month. A low tire can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent.
• Brake early and slowly decelerate to maximize fuel economy.
• If you have several stops to make, plan your route carefully.
• Bring your vehicle in for your preventative maintenance. Most modern vehicles no longer need tune-ups but that does not mean they are maintenance free. Have your oil changed every 5,000 – 6,000 miles.
• Get the air filters checked twice per year, more if you work in dusty conditions. Dirty air filters increase fuel consumption and can cause poor performance.
• Your car's air conditioning drains your engine's power, particularly in Florida's climate. Each time you avoid using it, you increase your mileage by between 5 to 20%, depending on your car and the driving conditions. It has the largest impact on efficiency when you drive around town in stop-and-go traffic.
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