August 10th, 2009
Antique and classic cars are just not made to be environmentally friendly. Many of the more popular classics, in fact, were created in a time when bigger engines and greater gas consumption meant a better vehicle.
If you are trying to figure out how to reconcile your love for a good, old-fashioned V8 with the environmental craze, there are some steps you can take. While you will never get the gas mileage out of an old V8 that you will from a hybrid today, a few moves can help you save a little at the pump.
To improve your mileage in a classic, make sure to:
Keep tire pressure up – When tires are not inflated to manufacturer specifications they can put a drag on an antique car and its gas mileage. Carry a pressure gauge with you and check the levels in your tires frequently.
Keep the spark plugs changed – Staying on top of this job can add to fuel efficiency.
Avoid overloading the vehicle – Try not to carry a lot of extra weight in the cabin or trunk of your classic. Every extra 100 pounds of weight is said to reduce fuel efficiency by at least 1 percent.
Avoid using the air conditioner – Unless it is a blistering day, turning off the AC and rolling down the windows can make a difference in fuel consumption.
Excellent gas mileage and classics do not necessarily go hand-in-hand. Still, you can improve your numbers by taking a few preventive steps.
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