DRIVING TIPS TO SAVE GAS

DRIVING TIPS TO SAVE GAS

Summer is upon us, which means vacations and travel.  With the cost of a gallon of gas doubling from last year it also means empty wallets.  In order to alleviate the pain of the rising cost of gas, I have researched the internet, and tuned into all the TV news suggestions on how to reduce your gas usage.

It turns out that most of us do not drive efficiently.  Learning to drive efficiently can drastically improve your miles per gallon of gas and ease the pressure on your wallet this summer.

Here are 15 helpful tips to improve your mileage: 

1.     Tire pressure – Government experts tell us that improperly inflated tires can reduce your MPG up to 6%.

2.     Each 100 lbs you carry in your car will reduce MPG by 2%

3.     Driving on the highway at 60 mph offers the best mileage; every 5   mph over 60 will cost you 5% efficiency.

4.     When your car idles for over one minute you lose 2% efficiency.

5.     Driving with an open window can cost you 4%.  Use the air conditioner.

6.     If you dog sticks his head out the open window you can lose another 5%.

7.     A roof rack is convenient for bringing extra luggage, but the wind resistance will cost you a whopping 10%.

8.     Bringing family bikes with you?  That bike rack will add weight and wind resistance stripping your gas efficiency by 4%.

9.     Avoid excessive braking. Coasting to a slow stop as opposed to   hard braking can save you 4% on a tank of gas.

10.  Coast down hills. Taking you foot off the accelerator while going downhill can save you 12%.

11.  Waiting for that light to change will cost you 4%.  Whenever possible, run the red light.  Amber means step on it!

12.  Looking for that parking space in the mall can chew up fuel.  Grab the first handicap parking space and save 4%.

13.  Plan you trip ahead of time.  Eliminate getting lost and taking the shortest route will save you 5%.

14.  Accelerate slowly.  Stomping on the accelerator will reduce mileage up to 4%

15.  Drive at off-peak hours.  Avoiding traffic can increase you MPG by 9%.

I have made several changes in my driving habits to follow these 15 tips.  Before travel, I adjust my tire pressure to the correct PSI.  I remove excess baggage, golf clubs, bowling balls, Wife, and kids.  I drive 60 mph on the freeway, down from 85 mph.  I eliminate idle time by running lights and coasting through stop signs.  I will not use a roof rack; I drive with the windows closed and leave bikes and the dog at home.  I coast down hills.  Braking is for sissies. I park in the handicap space and learned to walk with a limp.  I map out my every trip, accelerate slowly, and only drive between 1 and 4 am.

According to Government experts, by applying these simple driving tips I save up to 110% on my former gas usage.

Now, if my tank is low, I simply hop in the car and drive to fill up that tank!

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