Honda Ridgeline Gas Mileage – How To Improve It With Minimal Outlay
In 2008 we have seen record gas prices and then prices fell back to pre-2007 prices. People are looking for ways to improve gas mileage, but they still want SUVs and trucks. One of the most popular vehicles in 2008 is the Honda Ridgeline. Let’s take a look at how to improve Honda Ridgeline gas mileage with a few low-cost or no-cost steps.
The first step to improving your gas mileage is to drive better. As you drive, hopefully you should notice the speed limit signs. If you drive within these speed limits, you are likely to use less gas. Driving over the speed limit will cause your Ridgeline to use more fuel. If the speed limit is 55 mph and you are driving 65 mph, you will notice that your vehicle uses 20% more fuel. You can calculate the speed at which you normally drive.
Have you also noticed that in the pattern of change there is the “D” with a circle around it? This is the overdrive gear. Driving in overdrive also helps improve gas mileage. The engine doesn’t have to work as hard while in overdrive, which will reduce the amount of fuel it takes to operate it and also reduces the amount of wear and tear on your engine. You should also use your cruise control whenever possible. People who do not use cruise control tend to change their speed frequently. If you can’t maintain a constant speed, you won’t have the best fuel economy your vehicle has to offer.
Many times people just like to drive. They will drive to the grocery store and then return home. In a couple of hours they realize they need something at the hardware store, so they will make that trip and come home. Taking several small trips and not allowing your car enough time to warm up the engine properly consumes about twice as much fuel as you would need. Plan accordingly. Make a shopping list and get everything you need in one trip. This will not only save you money on fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, but it will also save you something that is much more valuable to a person: time. Also, while running your errands, you should avoid unnecessary idleness. If you have to wait a while on the way to the bank, it is best to turn off the vehicle to avoid wasting gas and stop air pollution.
The last thing you need to do to improve the gas mileage of your Honda Ridgeline is to keep up with maintenance. Keep the engine tuned. Check your tires every time you refuel to make sure they have the correct amount of air in them. Change the oil as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Air filters should be checked and replaced regularly. Read your owner’s manual to see what you can do to keep your gas mileage where it should be. If you notice a drastic change in gas mileage, you should take your Ridgeline to a Honda dealer and ask them to look at what’s wrong.