Ask Pete

[#1]

With so many contributing factors that play a part in threatening our vehicles’ fuel economy, it surprises me that some drivers still haven't adopted more conservative driving habits. If your tires aren't properly inflated, it hurts your gas mileage. If the engine isn't running properly, it hurts your gas mileage. If your vehicle is overloaded in weight capacity, it hurts your gas mileage. And in case you were not aware, the use of ethanol in fuel reduces gas mileage naturally by as much as 20%.

It puzzles me that some drivers still insist on making jackrabbit starts, hurrying up to slow down, and waiting until the last possible moment to apply the brakes. These characteristics all play a part in our vehicles' efficiency, which also includes maintenance costs.

Some analysts are predicting fuel costs to be over $4.25 per gallon by the summer. At this pace, I would think we would give careful thought to not only how much driving we actually do, but how we drive when we are on the road. Let's face it, most of us need to travel back and forth to work, go to the store, etc. It just makes more sense—and cents—to consolidate travel whenever possible, and when we do drive, to take a more conservative approach.

So with that, here is my challenge to you: Commit to one week of conservative driving to prove my point and see how much gas (and money) you can save. No jackrabbit starts, drive the posted speed limit and, when possible, increase your following distance so you can do more coasting into stops. I know it will be tough, and maybe even a little frustrating at times, but in the end I bet you will see a savings at the pump.

Try it for a week and see if this makes cents to you!     

[#2]

Well I have taken the test personally! It works! I got an extra 20miles going the same distance every week, I fill-up every Saturday but this time I tried all the preventive things, cleaned out all my junk out of the trunk, keep windows up on highway, slowed downed a notch and evenly distributed the air in the tires, surely to be true I didn't have to fill until Monday instead of Sat. I was blown blown blown away, this is another way to save, so along with my new way of using coupons, chi-ching! I'm on my way and I feel good about both areas of savings! Thanks AAA you always come through for me and my family! Your Road Runner Robin - Atlanta, Ga.

[#3]

Outstanding! Thanks for sharing!

[#4]

I have a 2009 Lincoln MKZ which has a whinning sound possibly from the transmission.   It is high pitched and not able to be heard by some.  It starts after the car has been driven about two and one half miles, and only at intermediate town speeds.  After 55 MPH it is no longer there, possibly because of other road noise.  Could an overfull transmission cause this?

[#5]

I doubt an overfull transmission will make noise as you describe but it is possible for the torque converter to make noise. The first thing I would do is have the vehicle evaluated by preferably a transmission specialist to ascertain that the noise is indeed transmission related and then determine the root cause.   

[#6]

In 1957 I worked for a Gulf station..In June a "gas war" started between Gulf, Richfield, American and Shell..We was selling regular at 8 cents a gallon and on Tuesday you get a 5 pound bag of sugar and on Thursday a choice of a coffee mug or cold drink mug with a 5 dollar purchase..We washed all the car windows,checked the air in the tires and checked the oil and water under the hood. What a deal for in 1957!   Dennis Seymour

[#7]

Ahhh...those were the good ole days!

[#8]

I own a 2010 Ford F150 that I purchased used. Every time I fill the tank, even though there is room for another 5 to 10 gallons I get a splash back of a cup or more of gas coming out of the filler pipe. To fill the tank I must then trickle the gas in very slowly. What's wrong?? I suspect a venting issue.

[#9]

If this is happening at pretty much every gas station you use (assuming you do not use the same station routinely) then we can eliminate a faulty vacuum break on the pump nozzle. There may be a venting issue but I would look also to make sure the filler hose that goes from the filler inlet to the tank is not kinked anywhere nor is the separate vent hose. If all that checks out okay there may be a baffle issue in the tank (rare). The best way to know for sure is to have a qualified technician formally inspect and diagnose your concern.