Using cruise control is a great way of increasing your vehicle's gas mileage without spending an extra dime. Checking your owner's manual or consulting with your car mechanic will place you at the head of the class.
And as you know, knowledge is power, and whether you're in an automotive class learning to work on engines, or a stock broker fighting his way through New York traffic; being in-the-know can save you money.
Your cruise control adjusts car speed by controlling the throttle position, and this means there's a constant feed of fuel provided to your vehicle when the fuel control is working properly. This constant and even provision of fuel is what creates fuel economy. And, the fuel economy is measured as a result of how much fuel is saved.
According to the experts, you can save up to 14% off normal fuel costs by using your car's cruise control features. Make it point to learn how your cruise control works. Once you've mastered this, the next step is to figure out when to use it.
As a rule of thumb, wet roads can cause a car using cruise control to skid.
In these kinds of conditions, the cruise control should be turned off, and you should be very alert and in control of your car's acceleration or de-acceleration at all times. Cruise control is best used on the open road, where there are few stops, and considerable distance between cars.
Inflating your tires will give you a much safer and smoother ride, and this will add to your overall increased gas mileage. Another way to accommodate gas increased mileage while using cruise control is to lighten the car's load.
When the cruise control is turned off, make it a point to brake and accelerate with moderation. Remembering this will give you an additional 5%-10% extra gas mileage.
If you feel like your life is on "cruise", and you're not sure yet what direction you'd like to head in yet, you can always request our WyoTech DVD. After all, it doesn't hurt to "accelerate" your learning and auto repair skills from time to time.
Co-host of Spike TV's "Xtreme 4X4"
"At WyoTech, I received the skill set necessary to take me as far as my imagination will lead me."
Jessi Combs' motto, "It's not how big you are in the fight; it's how big the fight is in you," has taken her a long way...
