3. Use Cruise Control
It came with your VW or Audi for a reason. Use it on those longer drives at both high or lower speeds. Most times it will save you money on fuel, but there are times when it won’t. On hills and uphill grades cruise control can burn more fuel and rob you of the benefits of this modern marvel. That’s because on a hill cruise control will kick in to keep your speed perfect, making your engine work harder and burn more fuel in the process. With all the flat ground we have in South Florida we don't have too much to be concerned about in this regard, but do pay attention to those overpasses and large bridges.
4. Keep Your Tires Inflated Properly
By keeping your tires filled with the proper amount of air you not only get better gas mileage but also longer life from your tires. Under-inflated tires means more energy is required to move your car (and the same is true with wider, non-standard tires which have more surface area). Proper inflation will give you up to a 3 percent increase in mileage according to the DOE.
5. Reduce Vehicle Weight
Still carrying around those schoolbooks from last year, or that barbell set you keep forgetting to drop off at the Goodwill store? An extra 100 pounds of weight can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 2 percent. Roof racks and car top carriers not only add more weight but more drag. Less is more!
6. Wash and Wax
Just by keeping your car exterior clean you can increase the gas mileage of your VW or Audi up to 7 percent according to one independent engineer. Again, the less drag the better. Indeed, we do have water shortages these days so keeping your car waxed is more important than ever. In fact, waxing your car could have more benefit than just washing it for the simple fact that dirt is more repellent to a waxed car than an un-waxed one. Keep your car waxed and let the rain be your car wash.
7. Stop Idling
What’s that saying, idle engines are the devil’s tools…? If you’re not at a short traffic light and you’re going to be sitting in your car for longer than 10 seconds, then turn off your engine. That’s not only wasted fuel, but also more hydrocarbons being senselessly dumped into our precious air. To learn more about the false truths of idling, read our special report called The Myths of Engine Idling.
8. Always Use the Highest Gear Possible
The low gears on Volkswagen and Audi are the power gears. That’s how we get them rolling from a dead stop, but that’s where we burn the most fuel per mile. Once at the proper speed for the road, make sure you’re in the highest gear possible to get optimum gas mileage. If you have an RPM gauge, note how fast your engine is turning over at different speeds and in different gears. Lower RPMs mean better gas mileage. Adjust your speed for better mileage, either slower or faster, but use common sense and don’t exceed the speed limit.
9. Go Easy on the Pedal
Use even acceleration from traffic lights and stop signs, don’t tailgate and drive the speed limit. You’d be surprised how many green lights you’d catch if you followed the speed limit as many cities and municipalities have timed traffic light systems that will “speed” you through if you pay attention. Less stopping means greater fuel economy. On interstate highways keep in mind that every 5 miles per hour your drive over 65 mph, you will have a 7 percent decrease in fuel economy. Again, paying attention to your RPM’s will be a good guide to optimum highway speed for your vehicle and current load.
10. Don’t Go the Extra Mile
Plan your errands so you effectively do everything you need on one car trip rather than three or four. This saves you both fuel and personal time. Also keep in mind, cold engines burn more fuel than warm engines, so once you got your car running it’s better to go the extra mile at that moment, than later.
Wow, you made it! Congratulations! Looking for some important gas buying tips? Check out our special page called 3 Wise Gas Tips for Your VW and AUDI . If you already know these, then check out our weekly Gas Watch report to find the cheapest fuel in your area.