Honda Ridgeline Fuel Consumption: How To Improve It With Minimal Outlay
In 2008 we’ve seen record gas prices and then prices dropped 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 your Honda Ridgeline’s gas mileage with a few low-cost or no-cost steps.
The first step to improving gas mileage is to drive better. While driving you should hopefully notice posted speed limit signs. If you drive within these speed limits, you will likely 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 drive 65 mph, you will notice that your vehicle consumes 20% more fuel. You can do the math for the speed you normally drive.
Have you also noticed that in the shift pattern there is the “D” with a circle around it? This is the overdrive gear. Driving at full throttle 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 run it and also reduces the amount of wear and tear on your engine. You should also use your cruise control whenever possible. People who don’t use cruise control tend to change their speed frequently. If you can’t maintain a constant speed, you won’t get the best fuel economy your vehicle has to offer.
People often just like to drive. They will drive to the grocery store and then back home. Within a couple of hours they realize they need something at the hardware store, so they’ll hit the road and head home again. Taking several small trips and not allowing your car enough time to warm up the engine properly uses about twice as much fuel as it 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, wear and tear on the vehicle, but it will also save you something that is much more valuable to a person: time. Also, while running your errands, you should avoid any unnecessary idling. 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 your Honda Ridgeline’s gas mileage is keep up with your maintenance. Keep the engine tuned. Check your tires every time you refuel to make sure they have the correct amount of air. Change the oil as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Air filters should be checked and replaced periodically. Read your owner’s manual to see what you can do to keep your gas mileage where it belongs. If you notice a drastic change in gas mileage, you should take your Ridgeline to a Honda dealer and have them see what is wrong.