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Cost-cutting Driving Practices to Counter High Cost Gasoline Prices
The price of gasoline at the pump is not the only thing affecting automobile costs these days. The way you drive and care for your car can also make a big difference. Why not try a few of these tips for making the most of your gasoline dollars listed at the government’s fuel economy website (http://www.fueleconomy.gov)?
Drive sensibly. Tailgating and aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent. Use cruise control when possible and avoid excessive idling, particularly on vehicles with larger engines.
Keep your car in shape. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve gas mileage. Repairing a faulty oxygen sensor may improve mileage as much as 40 percent. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the inside of the engine. Keeping tires properly inflated and changing oil regularly with the recommended grade motor oil can save on repair and tire replacement expenses as well as aiding in maximizing gas mileage.
Plan your route. Planning ahead to combine errands into one trip can save time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warmed-up and efficient. Plan to avoid retracing your route and reduce the distance traveled, too.
Try a few commuting changes. Carpool when possible; if not for the daily commute, at least for longer trips or group lunches. Staggering work hours to avoid peak rush hours can shorten time spent sitting in traffic and consume less fuel. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets the best gas mileage. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.
Lighten your load. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent. For some, drastic measures may be in order. Choosing a smaller vehicle with better gas mileage may be the only way to keep automobile expenses within the budget. Compare gas mileage estimates for 1985-2005 model cars by visiting www.fueleconomy.gov and by reading the fuel efficiency labels when shopping for a car. Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
