NFIB

The price of oil worldwide is flirting with record highs daily, and in most parts of the U.S. prices at the pump have skyrocketed above $2.00 a gallon for regular unleaded. The price of gasoline may fall slightly in the near-term as oil-producing nations adjust output, but it's clear that gas prices are on the way up long term. Small businesses with operations that require a considerable amount of driving will be hardest hit and should implement proven ways to reduce fuel usage. Even on the personal level, small-business owners and employees can reduce gasoline expenses by driving smart.

The following tips will help. Make note of the ones that pertain to you or your business. Jot them down and stick them to your driver's-side sun visor so you'll be reminded each time you get in your vehicle.

General Gas-Saving Tips

• Before you start driving, plan your trip. Whether you're driving for business (deliveries, sales calls, city-to-city trips, etc.) or running personal errands around town, coordinate each leg of your trip to minimize the total distance traveled. Also, avoid going on one errand in the morning, another in the afternoon and yet another on the way home from work. Group your errands or business stops into one trip.
• Don't drive when you can phone instead. Some business appointments need to be in person, but when you can use the phone, you'll save gas and time.
• Avoid driving during rush hour. Sitting in stalled or slow-moving traffic devours gas for no purpose.
• Encourage employees to carpool to and from work. Make it easy for your staff to arrange rides. It might take a few minutes away from work time each week, but the personal savings will be valuable for all involved.
• Allow workers to telecommute when possible. Even one or two days a week working from home will reduce overall gas consumption.
• Make it convenient for employees to bicycle to work. Install bike racks in a protected area near the building. Provide clothes-changing and storing areas so riders can easily change to business attire when arriving.
• Inevitably, higher gas prices will result in increased costs for shipping and transportation. Look into ways now to make shipping more economical, perhaps by lightening packaging, consolidating shipments or arranging for shipment from alternate locations. Plan ahead to minimize long-distance business travel. Consider purchasing equipment that will let you teleconference or even videoconference instead of traveling.
• Get a gasoline credit card that provides rebates. If your company has drivers on the road, select a gasoline service station near your location so they can fill up easily. Use of the card won't add to gas cost, and the monthly rebate will help reduce overall driving expenses.

General Driving and Vehicle Maintenance Tips

• Avoid rapid acceleration. Slow and steady acceleration uses much less fuel.
• Avoid stop-and-go traffic. Choose a route that allows you to move steadily and at the same speed; idling, accelerating and braking use up more gas then maintaining a steady speed.
• When starting your ignition, don't warm up your vehicle by racing your engine. Let it idle for a moment or two, then pull away.
• Use cruise control when on the highway. It helps you remain at the even speed that will minimize fuel consumption.
• Slow down! Driving at slower speeds conserves fuel. Actual tests indicate that driving at 70 miles per hour uses 15-20 percent more fuel than driving at 55 miles per hour.
• Keep your vehicle tuned and your tires at proper pressure. Replace air and fuel filters on schedule. Rotate ties and have your wheels aligned regularly. If your business has a fleet of vehicles, establish regular maintenance schedules for each vehicle.
• If you have a manual transmission, shift up to higher gears as quickly as possible when accelerating.
• Reducing air conditioning while driving at lower speeds will use up less fuel. However, studies have shown that at higher speeds (40-50 miles per hour and more), air conditioning uses less fuel than driving with windows open, which greatly increases air drag on the vehicle. Also, set your air conditioning to "recirculate" when possible. Continually cooling hot outside air will make your air conditioner work harder and use more fuel.
• If your average miles-per-gallon begins to fall, have your engine checked for possible causes.
• Use regular unleaded gas when possible. Some models suggest medium- or premium-grade gasoline but may function perfectly well with regular.
• When buying a new or used car, consider a small lightweight car, a hybrid or a car with a 4-cylinder engine. Speaking generally, every 10 percent increase in body weight increases fuel consumption 5 percent. Don't worry -- when you buy a small car or a 4-cylinder engine, you probably won't have to give up too much power. Some 4-cylinder models have little noticeable difference in acceleration from 6-cylinder models. Within the next few years, many new and larger hybrid models will be available (including SUVs and trucks). Not only will these provide better gas mileage than regular vehicles, they'll offer attractive tax incentives to buyers.