Here are a few tips for saving on you gasoline bill.
GasPriceWatch.com offers "the ability to search their local gas stations for the lowest prices." Simply plug in your zip code or an intersection and, thanks to your price-conscious neighbors, you can find out where to get the cheapest gas near you. You can contribute to the listing by entering your own observations as well. Its a great way to support consumer interests.
The other route, of course, is to do like baloghblog suggests and actually drive the speed limit. Gee, whoda thunk?
Or check out the suggestions on fueleconomy.gov
Drive Sensibly
Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33%
Equivalent Gasoline
Savings: $0.11-$0.73/gallon
Observe the Speed Limit
Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like
paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.
Fuel Economy Benefit:
7-23%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.15-$0.51/gallon
Remove Excess Weight
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2%/100 lbs
Equivalent
Gasoline Savings: $0.02-$0.04/gallon
Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you
maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.
Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gearing, your car's
engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.
Edmonds.com offers these tips:
- follow recommended maintenance
- keep your tires inflated
- redcue the load
- use the highest gear possible
- don't drive aggressively
- use cruise control
- keep your car washed and waxed (!)
- avoid excess idling
- roll up the windows
- combine your errands
I came of age driving after the energy crisis of the late 1970s and so driving with the intent to use the least amount of fuel was always on my mind. It also made for a kinder, gentler driving experience because I considered not only my fuel usage but the usage of the cars around me. I figutured that every cup of gas saved was good, whether it was in my tank or someone else's. Thinking in these terms means thinking beyond your own needs, but your Ma would be proud.
3 comments:
I have tried to go the speed limit on interstates, and I just can't do it. I feel like I am going backwards. I am a speeding type, and only in the last few years have I learned to not get speeding tickets. I don't go more than 10 miles above the speed limit! But I fully realize that it's necessary to reduce the speed limit to save gas, so I have been using secondary roads now, whenever possible. I always use cruise control, so I am staying out of trouble, and saving gas.
It is a huge turn-around to make such changes for our society! Do we have a lot to learn!!!
Fay
Hi Fay,
Its hard not to speed for me too, especially when everyone else is doing it. But I do find myself a bit more relaxed when I can go slower. Driving 55 saves lives, too.
Hey D,
I can understand your frustration. I've been at a place of wanting to get it over with. I'm not there now. I want to survive and I do think there are things that we can do to work inwardly and outwardly. You are not alone.
Post a Comment