Gas Saving Tips

With the daily price increases at the pump, here is a list of tips every driver can use to improve vehicle fuel economy. These tips can help you reduce the fuel expense on your vehicle.

1. Slow down. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph vs. 70 mph according to government estimates.
2. Eliminate "jack-rabbit" starts. Accelerate slowly and evenly.
3. No idling over 2 minutes. Don't leave your vehicle running while you are parked. Avoiding excessive idling can save 19%.
4. Maintain proper tire pressure. Check a minimum of once per week. Don't fill tires to the maximum pressure stated on the sidewall of your tires. Use the manufacturer recommended pressure for your vehicle. This is usually found on the door jamb of the drivers door. Check tire pressure when the tire is cold.
5. Eliminate "junk in your trunk". Clean out trunks and truck beds of unnecessary "junk". Lighter vehicles get better mileage.
6. Combine errands. Plan your day to eliminate wasted trips. Put a list together for the entire office so multiple associates aren't driving to the same location on the same day.
7. Eliminate aggressive driving. Besides the improved safety, you will save on mileage by not tailgating, no sudden stops, and not stomping on the accelerator. Drive steadily.
8. Use your Cruise Control if you have it. Maintaining a consistent speed can save 7%.
9. Turn off the AC when driving below highway speeds. At highway speeds open windows can cause excessive drag thus reducing fuel economy. Below highway speeds though it can improve your mileage by using less energy to move your vehicle.
10. Plan your route to use shortest distance with less stopping. The shortest distance between two points is always a straight line, unless theirs a traffic light on every corner. Traffic lights are usually timed for motoring advantage, though, based on normal speed limits. Traveling at normal speed limit will improve your chances of hitting green lights. Avoid rough gravel and lime rock roads (although not so easy in rural areas).
11. Let the vendor pay the gas. If they offer delivery, whether parts, supplies, or pizzas, let them pay for the gas and have it delivered.
12. Anticipate stopping and coast when possible. Panic stops cause more drag and use more energy.
13. Fill up during the coolest time of the day - early morning or late evening is best. Gasoline is densest at this time. Gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to volume of measurement. Also make sure your gas cap is properly secured.
14. Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Replace Air Filters when dirty. Get oil changed on time. Keep tires properly aligned.

There are a lot of gas saving "scams" popping up out there so investigate thoroughly. One that's been around longer, than I have, involves using magnets on your gas line to improve flow, thus somehow reducing fuel. There are many others. The best way to save fuel is to slow down and maintain your vehicle. Every little thing you do can add up to substantial savings in the long run.

Article by: Michael Webster, Citrus County Fleet Manager