What may help drivers conserve gasoline?
Answers
Sitting in their driveways with their cars running.
Accelerating quickly.
Slowing down gradually.
Braking abruptly.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is “Slowing down gradually.”
Explanation:
Conserving gasoline and improving fuel efficiency largely depend on adopting smooth and controlled driving behaviors that reduce fuel consumption. Here’s why each of the options affects gasoline conservation:
- Sitting in their driveways with their cars running: Keeping the engine running while parked or idling consumes fuel. Modern vehicles are designed to use less fuel when restarted than when left idling for extended periods. Thus, idling in the driveway without moving is wasteful, as the car burns fuel without any productive output.
- Accelerating quickly: Rapid acceleration requires more fuel because it causes the engine to work harder and consumes more fuel to increase the car’s speed rapidly. This inefficient driving behavior reduces miles per gallon (MPG) and contributes to higher gasoline consumption.
- Slowing down gradually: This is the most efficient way to conserve fuel. When drivers reduce their speed gradually, rather than abruptly braking, they make use of the vehicle’s momentum. This results in less strain on the engine, and the vehicle uses fuel more efficiently. Gradual deceleration allows the car to coast, reducing the need to apply the brakes or accelerate frequently, both of which consume fuel.
- Braking abruptly: Sudden, harsh braking wastes fuel because it disrupts the vehicle’s momentum. When a driver brakes abruptly, the car’s engine has to work harder to accelerate back up to speed. Frequent hard braking can lead to increased fuel consumption, as the car repeatedly loses speed and then accelerates again.
In conclusion, the most effective way to conserve gasoline is to adopt smooth and gradual driving habits, such as slowing down gradually. This reduces the need for rapid acceleration and heavy braking, both of which are fuel-inefficient and increase fuel consumption.