As a nation, Americans love to drive putting an average of 13,474 miles on the roads ever year according to Motley Fool contributor Matthew DiLallo. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration says the average American drives 13,476 miles every year. With Wyoming leading the 50 states in miles driven 22,306 per driver at an annual cost of $1,917.34 (second highest) per year. Those trips to the gas pump really do add up, so how do we keep fuel costs from taking such a large bite out of our wallet?

Trucking companies and others in the transportation industry know one of the keys to maximizing fuel efficiency is to keep the trucks in good top working condition. According to Fleet Hall of Fame inductee and Over The Road Truck blogger, Mike Antich, the 2019 forecast is filled with corporate strategies to procure the most fuel efficient and task specific vehicles to add to their fleets. Aging fleets can seriously impact the bottom line in several ways fuel consumption ranking at the top along with deprecation.

While no one can change deprecation, we can take a hint from the transportation industry. The professionals and well informed “DYI-ers” can use diagnostic tools to help pin-point the perfect ratio of oxygen to fuel, timing lights to adjust the spark plug firing, and aftermarket modifications (mods as those in the know call them), to alter the vehicles default settings. Some states have statutes limiting aftermarket changes to the fuel/oxygen ratio. Be sure you are up to date on your training and states’ emission laws before you make any modifications.

However, there are simple steps professional drivers as well as average commuters can take to improve fuel efficiency. Most of the remedies for poor fuel consumption are basic. Don’t run the A/C at full blast on every trip, cut back on auxiliary items such as navigation systems and refrigerators, ensure your gas cap seals tightly, and most importantly: slow down. Another overlooked fuel saver is the basic tune up. Keeping your vehicle in top shape can boost fuel efficiency.

You can take your car in to a professional or you can do the job yourself. Be sure you have the basic tools for the job: socket set, screwdrivers, and ratchet are items most people already have on hand. Other, not so common items you may need are a spark plug gap tool, spark plug socket, collapsible magnet, tire gauge, and tread tool (tires are a part of the tune up too). Don’t forget electrical grease and your camera. The electrical grease keeps contacts from rusting and lets the electricity flow. Use your camera to take before and after pictures to be sure you put everything back in the right place the right way. Don’t overlook your cars owners manual. It’s a great resource to guide your tune up.

Another excellent resource is YouTube. Yes, YouTube. This is a great way to brush up on your tune up skills and learn the latest in car maintenance. Try searching for videos using the term ‘Hypermiling’. Hypermiling is the latest slang term denoting all the ways to keep your fuel efficiency up and costs down. However, the same basic rules still apply: keeping it simple is the best way to improve your autos performance. Bear in mind there are plenty of fuel saving myths out there too.

Some of the myths such as buying gas when it’s cooler so you get more are theoretically correct but don’t work in practice. According to Consumer Reports, most fuel stations store fuel underground which results in only small fluctuations in temperature no matter what the temperature is on the surface. They also have found that Low Rolling Resistance tires may save a small amount on fuel, however, keeping the tires properly inflated will make up the difference. They suggest buying good, all around tires.

To truly maximize efficient fuel consumption, though, improve your driving habits. Reduce your speed, keep your vehicle tuned, and tires properly inflated. These simple steps will keep more money in your pocket without taking away your American love of the open road.

Resources:

https://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/how-to-drive-economically7.htm

https://www.hmfracing.com/tech/2014/07/how-does-the-optimizer-work

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2015/11/151114-can-you-hack-your-car-for-better-mileage/

https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2012/0627/Myth-busters-Consumer-Reports-takes-on-alleged-gas-saving-tips

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-myths-about-gas-mileage/

https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/14/heres-how-much-gasoline-the-averageamerican-consu.aspx

http://time.com/5306658/gas-pricescalculator/

https://gasprices.aaa.com/q1-gas-price-report-2018/

https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/01/25/the-average-american-drives-this-much-each-year-ho.aspx

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm

First Up: The 1/2” Green NASCAR® Impactool™!  This classic tool with a new paint scheme comes equipped with the reliable Twin Hammer impact mechanism, and it boasts an average air consumption of 4.2 CFM delivering 590 ft-lbs of torque.

Next:  The 1/2” Red NASCAR® Impactool™ with 1/2″ Extended Anvil!  Now, if you need a little extra anvil length…this is the tool for you!

Whether you’re a vehicle hobbyist or professional mechanic, this NASCAR® themed 231R air impact wrench from Ingersoll Rand delivers the power and performance to tackle tough jobs with ease, including tire rotation, brake jobs, crank pulley bolt removal, and more.

Do you already own one of these beasts?  If so, let me know how you like it.

Until next time…Jay

What is Ingersoll Rand saying about this new impact?  “Built on Ingersoll Rand’s 100 year legacy developing industry leading tools, you can always rely on the 35MAX. This stubby impact wrench has been rigorously tested and pushed to the limits to make sure it lasts twice as long as the competition so you can get REAL WORK done time and time again.”  We couldn’t agree more!

“What about the torque?” you ask…

“Delivering 450 ft.-lb. of max reverse torque at only 2.4 pounds, no other compact impact wrench on the market can match the combined power and light weight of the 35MAX. With less added weight, you can power through those tough stretches of work in no time.”

This impact is so new that we couldn’t even find a video of anyone using it yet…so if you have one, shoot a video and send it to us!  We’d love to upload more videos of our customers using the actual tool!

Source: www.irtools.com

According to Robinair, “Eliminate countless hours searching for hard-to-find leaks with the Robinair 22791 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector. This tool uses infrared optics to create a leak detector that combines sensitivity, speed, battery life, portability, and ease of use.”

Ready to find out more?

Here’s the scoop on the Robinair 22791:

• Advanced infrared sensor designed to last a minimum of 10 years
• Three sensitivity levels down to 0.15 oz./year
• Automatically recalibrates in highly contaminated areas to help pinpoint the exact location of the leak
• Won’t trigger on oil or moisture
• Senses CFC, HFC and HCFC blend refrigerants
• 8-hour lithium Ion battery lasts all day long and beyond
• Visual alert and peak button make it easy to find leaks in noisy environments
• Audible alert with mute button
• Magnetic hanger to easily hang the unit during leak repair
• Durable carrying case lets you easily store leak detector and accessories
• Meets NEW SAE J2791 leak detection standard
• Certified to comply with the new SAE industry standard for use with R1234YF refrigerant

This leak detector is priced right and is currently available.

Want to review this product?  Send us an email with your testimony and it could be featured here and on our Facebook page!