There are more than 15 million licensed drivers in Texas. Whether you just received your license or you still have a few years left, these driving tips will get you ready to hit the street. Driving in Texas can be great fun! But owning a car or truck is also a big responsibility. Vehicles are a source of air and water pollution. Gasoline and car maintenance can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many easy things you can do to help save money and protect our beautiful State!
What is the gas mileage and how does it affect my car ownership? The government tests cars to determine the number of miles per gallon of gasoline consumed (MPG) also called fuel economy. The higher the MPG, the less fuel your car uses and the more money you will save. The MPG varies greatly depending on the type of car you choose, it can vary from 11 MPG to 136 MPG.
The officially stated MPG for your particular car is just an estimate, as there are several things that can affect the fuel economy of your car, for example, how and where you drive and whether you give proper maintenance to your car.
What can I do to save money and care for the environment driving in Texas?
1. Are you going to get your first car soon? Compare the MPG of many different cars or trucks and consider buying a vehicle with a high MPG to save money and gasoline.
2. If you already own a car or a truck, find out how efficient it is in terms of fuel consumption
3. In hot Texas weather, air conditioning is what contributes the most to gasoline consumption. This can reduce fuel economy by more than 25%! Save gas by lowering windows at low speeds and use AC when driving at highway speeds. Also, parking in the shade or using a car sunshade will prevent the car’s cabin from getting very hot.
4. Texas also has a cold season. During cold weather, the efficiency of gasoline consumption per mile can reduce from 12 to 34%. Combine journeys when you can so that you drive as little as possible with a cold engine, and therefore be more efficient.
5. Leaving the car idling consumes one-quarter to one-half gallon of gas per hour. If you anticipate being idling for more than 30 seconds, for example when you are waiting for your food at the window of a restaurant, turn off your engine. However, you may want to limit the times you turn the car to ten times a day, approximately, to avoid excessive wear and tear on the engine.
6. You will save money and gas by keeping your vehicle updated. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations as to when to change the oil and what type of oil should be used.
7. Keep the tires properly inflated. Not only will this save you money on gas, but it will also help your tires last longer.
8. Load gasoline in the afternoon or evening and do not fill the tank completely. This will help prevent the formation of ground-level ozone, popularly known as smog.
9. Never pour used oil down the drain. The drains carry the oil directly to the Texas waterways. Used oil from a single oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water. Instead, take your oil to a recycling centre.
10. Pay attention to the “check engine” light. Driving a vehicle that needs attention can increase emissions and cost you more than $ 660 dollars per year in gasoline.
11. Driving at high speed and aggressively wastes gasoline and is dangerous. Slow down, accelerate gradually and brake gently to save from $ 0.20 to $ 1.13 per gallon!
12. Under the law, sending text messages while driving in Texas is a crime, so be careful, do not risk your life or that of others just to answer a message.