Gas prices are causing people to change their vacation plans. My neighbor recently loaded up his SUV, drove 30 feet, and he and his family camped at the end of their driveway.
So today I want to offer a few tips on how a little extra care here and there, when it comes to your vehicle, can save you loads of money, not just on fuel but on repairs as well!
Keeping your engine tuned up is big. If your tailpipe is emitting enough exhaust it looks as if you are spraying for mosquitoes, this means less money in your wallet. I know it does not always fit easily into your schedule, but replacing filters and fluids as recommended, and following the service schedule listed in your owner’s manual, will save you money in the long run.
Regularly check your tires for proper inflation. Under inflation causes your engine to work harder to push the vehicle. Keep those tires inflated properly, and you will save as you drive.
Aggressive driving, speeding, rapid acceleration and braking, all waste gas. Pass the barf bag, please! Use cruise control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible. When you drive sensibly, you benefit greatly.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33%
Gas Savings: $0.20-$1.31/gallon
If 60 MPH is the speed limit, drive it. While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 7-23%
Gas Savings: $.28-$.91/gallon
I drove an old beater in college. However, I tried to stay positive. Every time something fell off, my miles per gallon increased!
Less weight means better mileage. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2%/100 lbs
Gas Savings: $0.04-$0.04/gallon
Note: Gas savings estimates based on fuel cost of $2.79 per gallon
Like pondering why new computers are obsolete before you can even get them out of the box, excessive idling gets you nowhere. Since an idling vehicle gets 0 miles per gallon, shut off the engine whenever possible. Ten seconds is the golden rule. More than ten seconds of idling and you generate savings by turning your engine off. And remember, today’s vehicles are designed to warm up fast. So once started, there’s no need to let them idle before putting the transmission in gear.
So take good care of your baby! Go the extra mile for it, and it will save you money and run the extra miles for you. And if all else fails, since kilometers are shorter than miles, to at least feel better about saving gas, consider changing your odometer setting to kilometers.
Until Next Time,
This Week’s Joke:
The sign on the gas pump asked that patrons identify their pump number to the cashier.
“I’m number one,” the next customer announced.
The cashier smiled and said, “Well, now. It looks like those motivational tapes are really working for you.”
Bumper Sticker Of The Day:
