How to Improve Ethanol Mileage
Rising gasoline prices have made fuel economy more important than ever before. Ethanol is a form of alcohol, which burns more quickly than a dense fuel like gasoline. Filling up with ethanol-blended gasoline can reduce the gas mileage of some cars by 3 percent to 5 percent. Get more miles for your money by choosing the right blend of ethanol gasoline and by modifying your driving.
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Instructions
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Choose an "E20" ethanol gasoline blend rather than the standard "E10." A study from The University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center and the Minnesota Center for Automotive Research shows that "E20" blends can deliver better fuel economy than "E10" and, in some cases, pure gasoline.
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Drive calmly and sensibly. Rapid braking and acceleration can lower your gas mileage by one third, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Stick to speed limits. Gas mileage falls quickly at speeds above 60 mph. Check the optimal gas mileage speed for your vehicle and try to limit yourself to that speed.
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Don't overload your vehicle with heavy items. Every additional 100 pounds of weight can reduce gas mileage by 2 percent.
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Use cruise control and overdrive gears to keep to a steady speed on highways.
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Avoid idling your engine. Switch off your engine while parked or when stuck in traffic queues. Remember that an idling engine delivers 0 miles per gallon.
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Keep your car well maintained. A properly tuned engine can improve gas mileage by up to 4 percent. Correctly inflated tires will improve fuel economy by 3 percent.
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