CT Auto Show: 10 easy ways to be more fuel efficient

November 4, 3:39 PMHartford Auto ExaminerKeith Griffin

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The Connecticut Auto Show is in Hartford from Nov. 6 to 8 at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. Paragon Expos always puts on a good show and there are lots of fun things to do with the family. If you like cars, you cannot miss this show!

As part of the show, Paragon Expos has prepared advice on how to drive more fuel efficiently. Hope to see you at the show!

Car manufacturers are finding new ways to be fuel efficient with the latest technologies in hybrid engines and clean diesel. Don’t own a hybrid vehicle? With gas prices rising, there are still ways that you can save money at the pumps, with these eco-friendly tips. To learn more about the latest in fuel efficient options, be sure to visit the Connecticut International Auto Show, November 6-8!

1. Get that "Check Engine" Light Checked Out: A faulty oxygen sensor -- a fairly common cause of those unexplained "check engine" lights -- can actually cost you up to 40 percent of your engine's performance.  If the light's on, make the appointment now. 

2. Check Your Tire Pressure: According to some government estimates, the average driver could boost their fuel efficiency by 25 percent just by keeping their tires inflated.  All new vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. (Here's some more advice from me. If your tire pressue warning light goes on, your tires are under-inflated by 25 percent! Think of how much fuel you are wasting!)

3. Change Your Air Filter: Gas is half of the combustion equation.  Air is the other half.  A clogged air filter can rob 10 percent of your engine's efficiency.  (Another note - this is usually something you can do yourself if you have even slight mechanical ability.)

4. Drive 60 on the Highway, Not 75: On the highway, stay close to the speed limit, and keep your speed as constant as traffic allows.  Most cars reach optimal gas mileage at about 60 miles per hour.  Speeding up increases wind resistance against the car, making the engine work harder and burn more gas.  According to the EPA, each 5 mph over 60 that you drive decreases fuel efficiency by up to seven percent. (Is this realistic in Hartford? Hmm, I'm not so sure!)

5. Turn Off the A/C: Some air conditioners rob an engine up to five percent of its fuel economy. Many newer cars are able to compensate for the energy used by an air conditioner and don't suffer the same penalty for keeping cool.

6. Get Your Engine Tuned: Scheduled tune-ups can boost mpg by four percent.

7. Drive Calmly in the City: There's a red light up ahead.  Don’t keep your foot on the gas until it's time to brake for the light. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that accelerating rapidly and braking hard can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by as much as five percent. Ease off the gas pedal. Don’t spend money just to stop at that light sooner. (And, might I add, don't race to make that light. There are way too many people who blow through red lights in Greater Hartford.)

8. Lose Weight: Government estimates say that an extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce fuel efficiency by up to two percent. So, empty the trunk. In winter, don't just scrape the windshield, scrape the entire car -- snow and ice add to the weight of your car. (Oops, I think I need to hit the gym for better fuel economy.)

9. Lose the Roof Rack: Wind resistance is the enemy of fuel efficiency.  Do you have a roof rack?  Every time you drive, it's making your car fight wind resistance, and burn fuel.  Most of the time, that's money you're spending to carry an empty roof rack.  Get a two percent boost by taking it off.

10. Change Your Oil on Time: After 3,000 miles, changing your oil (using the recommended grade) gives you back one percent of your car's mpg rating. (This advice I would check against your car's owner's manual. You might be fine at 5000 miles.)

The Connecticut International Auto Show, presented by Amica Insurance, will be held November 6-8, 2009 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. The Auto Show is sponsored by the Greater Hartford Auto Dealers Association.  The Official Newspaper is the Hartford Courant; The Official Auto Web Site is Cars.com; the Official Show Program is Hartford Magazine.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 – 12. Children under 6 are free.  Friday is Military Day, when all military and their immediate families get free admission to the show, with proper military ID. For details about the contest and more information regarding the Auto Show, the public may call 800-261-6498 or visit the Show’s website

Show Hours:
Friday, Nov. 6 11AM to  9PM
Saturday Nov. 7 11AM to 9PM
Sunday Nov. 8   11AM to 5PM

The Connecticut International Auto Show is produced by Paragon Group, Inc, a full service, privately held exhibition management company.  Located in Needham, Mass, Paragon Group also produces the New England International Auto Show, Portland International Auto Show, Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show, Denver Auto Show, Boston Flower & Garden Show, and the National Golf Expo, Boston.