How to Save Money on Gas!
Posted: December 1st, 2008 | Author: Mo2 | Filed under: Budgeting, Finance | Tags: Budgeting, Finance, mind the brakes, save money on gas, saving money, smart driving |With fuel prices going crazy some people are thinking about going hybrid or limiting their driving. You can avoid both of these options by changing some of your driving habits and still enjoy your daily excursions.
Stop Being so Aggressive
I know there are times when we’re in a rush but there’s no need to run every yellow light or cut off every 4th car, you’ll get to your destination in time just be patient. Be a patient driver and take it easy on your car (and your nerves) without accelerating too much. If you’re in such a rush, maybe it’s time for you to either leave earlier or adjust your schedule so you can afford to take more time on the road. Driving aggressively is probably the greatest fuel waster.
Driving Slower
Driving at the speed limit is a great way to save gas. If you can maintain the speed limit then you won’t need to accelerate needlessly which will also help save your brakes because you won’t need to slow down too much.
Use Cruise Control
Cruise control allows you to let the car take over and maintain your current speed. Don’t use cruise control on hills but on level roads. By using cruise control the car will do the work of accelerating and do so efficiently compared to the inefficient human.
Excessive Idling
I’ve seen various figures for this, but the general consensus seems that if you’re going to be idling for more than 15-20 seconds you should turn your engine off. Which means that it takes less gas to start your engine than to idling your car for longer than 20 seconds. And besides it is bad for the environment to keep your car on.
I saw a report on CBC previously (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for those non-Canadians, or clueless Canadians: http://www.cbc.ca) talking about drive-thrus where you don’t have much a choice but to keep your car on while you wait in line. If you see a pretty long line, do the world a favor (I do mean this literally) and park your car and order inside the restaurant. Hey you might actually burn 4 of the 890 calories you’re about to consume with the Mega Fattening Triple Decker with 8 packets of mayonnaise burger. Oh and don’t forget the non-transfat fries and 64% water soft drink.
Service Your Car
Take your car in for service when the car company tells you to. By keeping your car in good shape you actually save on gas, read your owner’s manual for details.
Keep Your Car Light
Don’t put excessive luggage in your car. By keeping your car light, it is easier to drive and saves gas. A little is ok, but there’s no need to keep that 15-pound salt bag just in case you get hit with a snowstorm in the middle of summer.
Mo2 Thinks
There are a lot of crazy drivers. Even if I go on a 5 minute drive to go to the cough..drive..cough..thru I can guarantee that I see at least one crazy driver. How are they crazy? They’re not looking when they turn into another lane, they don’t signal, they’re driving at 120km/h in a 50km zone, the list just keeps going on. I don’t care who you think you are what car you drive respect the other drivers. Respect goes a long way and if you think you’re the most important person in the world, guess what a lot of people might not think that of you. Be humble and respectful to others.
I love my car, and although I’m not a car-maniac (not yet) I try to keep my car in decent shape and don’t overdo it by trying to outrace others even if I’m capable of it. Every time I see people cutting in I just think, “Congratulations, you just wasted more gas.” Really, what is the rush? And does it really make you feel better to actually cut in and make someone else feel a little annoyed? I know this doesn’t apply to everyone, but there are things in this world, even small things, that can make our world a better place to live in. Please, do your part.
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