We've all heard tips for getting the best gas mileage, but how much can they really save you? The answer is a lot. Edmunds tested out some common gas-saving tricks. Here are some of their results:
1. Aggressive Vs. Moderate driving: How much gas does driving slower save you?
According to Edmunds, drivers can save up to 37 percent, and an average savings of 31 percent.
One of the easiest ways to save gas is by slowly accelerating and braking easily on the road. When you slow your 0-to-60-mph acceleration time down, you'll feel the savings immediately.
2. Driving at lower speeds saves gas.
On a long trip, driving at a slower speed can save you a substantial amount of gas. Drivers who consistently drive the speed limit can save 12-14 percent.
3. Use your cruise control.
Edmunds' test confirmed that utilizing your cruise control can save you an average of 7 percent at the pump.
4. Keep the A/C on.
Although the air conditioning does use some gas, in modern cars, the amount saved doesn't equal to sweating in a hot car.
5. Avoid excessive idling.
In their test, Edmunds concluded that this was "more important" than they assumed. Avoiding excessive idling can save you up to 19 percent! So if you're stopping for longer than a minute, turn your car off.
What is one method you use to help you save gas?
There's a lot to love this August at St Cloud Subaru! During Subaru's A Lot to Love Event you can get special financing offers and leasing incentives on our lineup of award-winning and reliable Subaru vehicles.
These amazing offers will only be available through September 3, so hurry in today to get a new Subaru that the whole family can enjoy.
Visit our website to check out our inventory and incentives, and while you're there, be sure to schedule a test-drive or talk to one of our online sales reps!
The Subaru Rally Team brought their "A" game to the New England Forest Rally this week, finishing second overall. The New England Forest Rally was round five of the 2013 Rally America National Championship. The course features 120 miles of technical gravel forest roads along the Maine-New Hampshire border. The event is known for its challenging combination of smooth high-speed roads and rough rocky roads, which can test the limits of a vehicle's durability and strength.
David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew spent the majority of the rally within sixteen seconds of Ken Block before dropping time on the longest and roughest stage of the event mid-way through the final day. Higgins and Drew then began charging back, beating or tying Block on each of the final five stages and lowering the deficit from 43 seconds down to just 6.5 seconds. However, the duo ran out of stage miles, settling for second overall and remaining atop the championship standings.
The next event will be held on August 23-24, 2013, right in our backyard at the Muscatell Ojibwe Forests Rally.
According to statistics, bicycling has become the second most popular outdoor activity in America. We've all noticed the trend; Cyclists are everywhere, which is we all need to work together to share the road safely everyday.
Whether you're on four wheels or two, always follow these tips to keep the road safe for everyone!
Bicyclists:
- The number one thing to remember when riding a bike is that, in most states (including Minnesota), bicycles are considered vehicles. This means that cyclists must obey the same laws as all other vehicles.
- Always obey road signs and traffic signals. It may be tempting to cruise through the intersection when no one is around, but you never know when someone may speed up around a curve or hill.
- Never ride against traffic. Always ride on the road in the same direction as traffic.
- Always ride in the street or in designated bike lanes, never on the sidewalk.
- If possible, avoid riding your bike at night. However, if you do need to bike at night, be sure to wear bright clothing and use lights and reflective material.
- Communicate your intentions to other drivers using hand signals.
- Always stay alert and remember that motorists and pedestrians may not see you.
Motorists:
- Stay alert while driving. With the increasing number of bicycles on the road, avoiding distractions is the most important way to stay safe.
- Yield to bicycles and always give bicyclists 3 feet when passing.
- Be aware of passing cyclists. Always check your rear view mirrors and your blind spots when entering traffic.
- Never honk at cyclists. Even though you may be frustrated or not like sharing the road, honking at them could cause them to be startled, which may lead them to swerve into traffic or off the road.
- When parking on the street, always check your mirrors before opening your car door.
The number of bikes on the road is growing, not shrinking, in popularity. Remember these simple tips to keep yourself and cyclists safe.
You finally did it. You found your dream car, and after negotiating and paperwork, you're ready to take it for a joy ride. But before you speed off the dealership lot, be sure to keep some things in mind. Taking care of your car and following a few simple rules during the break-in period can significantly help your car in the long run.
The break-in period is the amount of driving time it takes a car's piston rings to settle into place, ensuring there will be a tight seal that won't leak oil. Most cars typically have a break-in period suggestion between 600 to 1,200 miles.
Here are some things to remember after your car purchase:
Read the owners manual. There's a lot of good stuff in there. It is important to know your car's break-in time, suggested speed, maintenance schedule and more.
Drive slowly. Be sure to keep your speed under about 50 mph or to the speed recommended by your manufacturer. Varying your speed and
avoiding hard and sudden accelerations will improve your vehicle's piston ring seating.
Avoid heavy loads. Don't take the family on a cross-country trek the week you get your new car. Keep the weight off your roof rack and hitch, so the drive train is not stressed.
Check and change your oil. During your first few drives, metallic residue is produced by your new engine. We suggest getting an oil change at the end of your break-in period to get rid of this residue and give your car a nice clean start.
We know that it's hard to resist the rev of a new engine, but by having patience and keeping your foot off the acceleration, you will greatly enhance the overall well-being of your new car.
