I said when I started this blog that I would try to make this a useful resource so here is something very useful. Besides we can't use all these tips if we can’t get to work.
Yesterday I filled up the tank and I nearly collapsed when I saw the final tally? $47.99! It's not like I drive a landyacht or a schoolbus. As a matter of fact I thought my Acura TL was a pretty responsible choice. I really haven’t been hiding under a rock. It’s just that I don’t often let the gauge get past a quarter tank. So it wasn’t until I handed over $48, that reality hit. Believe me, as I pulled away once I decided not to just leave the TL behind, I renewed my resolve to employ every gas-conservation tip known to man. I thought perhaps you could use a reminder as well:
Combine errands: Instead of running to the cleaners tonight, the drugstore tomorrow, the post office the next day and the doctor on Tuesday, combine errands into one trip. Plan ahead because all those little trips really whack the gas mileage.
Get technical: Learn to drive as if there’s an egg is between the gas pedal and the floor. Break it and you die. This means gentle and gradual pressure on the gas, no sudden acceleration or “floor boarding.”
Car pool and other alternatives: Whenever possible, walk or ride a bike. Most of your trips are within just a few miles of your home anyway, so cut them down and get some exercise at the same time. Can’t avoid a car trip? Whenever possible share a ride with a co-worker or family.
Pass on the premium: High-octane fuels aren't necessarily better for your car. In fact unless your car’s manual specifically calls out premium fuel, it could be detrimental to your car’s engine. The American Automobile Association (AAA), estimates that premium gas accounts for about 20 percent of total sales in this country, despite the fact fewer than 10 percent of cars on the road were designed to burn the higher-octane fuel. That means U.S. drivers spend about $1.7 billion per year more for gasoline than they should.
Slow down: Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. If you drive 70 mph instead of 55 mph, experts say you could be burning up 17 percent of your fuel just to get there a few minutes sooner. In fact, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is equal to paying an additional 10 cents per gallon of gas.
Keep them filled: Bald tires are not only a driving hazard, but they burn more fuel. Keeping your tires properly inflated is an easy way to improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent, which is a savings of at least 5 cents per gallon.
Trunk light: For every 100 pounds of excess weight in your trunk, your car loses 1 percent of fuel economy. Empty everything but the required safety equipment.
Cheap(er) Gas The Web site GasBuddy.com (www.gasbuddy.com) is a portal to local real-time gas price information in the United States and Canada. You can log on and it will identify the cheaper gas stations in your area.
While the price of gasoline remains out of our control, we can control over how often we fill up. So how low can you go? Could you cut one complete fill up during the coming month? That’s my goal; I hope it’s yours, too.
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