Change Your Habits And Lower Your Gas Expenses
Changing old habits is easier said than done. We get used to doing things a certain way and we’re not interested in changing no matter what. Unfortunately, with the cost of gasoline skyrocketing to over four dollars a gallon, breaking old driving habits to save money has become a necessity.
Fuel efficiency can be done in a number of ways. If we can just add a mile or two per gallon here and another there it will add up to significant savings over a period of time. Oil is a non-renewable resource and when we save on gas, it helps us with our reduced dependency on foreign oil. Interestingly, over 50% of our gas comes from foreign countries.
Many of our bad old habits can be logged under one heading: Drive Sensibly. Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and breaking quickly are not your friends. This alone can lower gas mileage up to 33%.
Of course you don’t speed. Is that right? Speeding doesn’t get anyone anywhere any faster, but it does cause a greater consumption of gas. When speed exceeds 60 mph, gas consumption goes up quickly. Costs rise by 30 cents a gallon for each 5 miles that you go above 60 mph.
it’s advisable that you use cruise control when you can, such as when you drive on the highway, to ensure your speed remains constant. You will use less gas if you travel on high gear, or even overdrive gear if it is available. The faster an engine is turning the more gas you’re using. Be mindful of your tachometer. In addition, a slower turning engine also saves on friction and engine wear.
Excessive idling is not recommended. Idling gets zero miles per gallon. it’s about as bad as it gets. If you estimate that you will be in line at a fast food restaurant or at the bank, or you’re waiting for a passing train, for longer than 30 seconds, it is best to turn off your engine. Idling is more expensive for larger vehicles. It costs less to restart than idle.
Turning off your air conditioning will help. If it gets hot in the car, you can also open a window and let in some fresh air. Air conditioning lowers your mileage by a couple of miles per gallon.
Is this trip necessary? Don’t drive until you have several errands or appointments to combine. if possible, avoid driving during rush hour. Choose to walk or ride a bicycle whenever you can.
Don’t drive unless you know exactly where you are going. Avoid driving around to find the place you are going to. I’m afraid the good old days of dragging Main Street with friends are gone. We have evolved into car-pooling and sharing driving and gas expenses with friends. Don’t overlook public transportation. Changing bad driving habits doesn’t cost you a thing and will pay you big dividends in fuel economy and saving money.
Interested in tips for living a healthy lifestyle? We’re your healthy living guide to eating well and living an active life.
by harry on October 29th, 2010 Tags: Business and Finance, finance, Travel, travel and leisure
Posted in global holidays, global news, global tips, global vacations | Comments Off
