05/ 31/ 2006
One year ago, a gallon of gas was about 80 cents cheaper than it is today. With no signs of slowing down, gas prices are at near-record highs, and they're starting to place a real burden on drivers. According to a recent study by the National Retail Federation, three out of four consumers plan to curb spending to help them manage the high prices at the pump—and small-business owners are no different. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the following gas-saving tips, you'll be filling up less:
1. Not so fast: If you're an aggressive driver, slowing down is one of the biggest ways you can save on gas. If you're used to driving at 75 mph, slow it down to 65 mph or even 60 mph and watch the savings add up. According to the Department of Energy, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 15 cents per gallon for gas.
The same goes for accelerating: If you're at 60 mph 10 seconds after the light turned green, you're using about 30 percent more gas than if it took you 15 seconds, according to a recent study by Edmunds.com.
2. Cruising along: When you're on a highway or any other long trip with few stops, switch on the cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. By preventing you from accelerating and decelerating repeatedly, cruise control burns less gasoline. Also, if you're stopped for prolonged periods of time (more than 1 minute), it's a good idea to turn the car off instead of idling. The Edmunds.com study found gas savings of up to 19 percent by avoiding excessive idling.
3. Time for a checkup: Taking your car in for regular tune-ups to save on gas is another recommendation from the Energy Department. In addition to regular tune-ups, your vehicle should also be getting clean air filters, the proper grade of oil, and its tires properly inflated.
4. Windows up… and down: Consumer Reports reports that using the car air conditioner decreases fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. That doesn't mean to maximize fuel economy you should always have the windows rolled down though. At speeds below 40 mph, it's best to control the climate using your windows. Any speed above that, though, the open windows will create a wind drag, meaning your car will have to work harder to maintain its speed. In that case, you should roll them up and fire up the air conditioner.
5. Lighten your load: Believe it or not, the amount of cargo you have in your vehicle can also affect fuel efficiency. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent depending on the size of your car. That’s a 3- to 6-cents saving per gallon at the pump.
For more tips and information on fuel economy, visit the Department of Energy-sponsored www.fueleconomy.gov.
