How to Lower Your Gasoline Consumption and Costs

I remember when I got my driver's license. Gas was $.97 per gallon. I could put $2.00 in gas and be good for a couple of days in my little town, unless I had social engagements, which might mean I needed to put in $5.00 or so. Imagine my disgust at putting my last $20.00 into my gas tank, and not having a drop more gas than that same $5.00 got me back in 1992 AND because I drive a minivan now, doesn't even get me as far! The more I thought about it, the more infuriated I got. I have simmered over this matter now for a couple of years, but I am finally to my boiling point! Not knowing what else to do, I have thought about the problem, and analyzed the problem for myself. I can't change gas prices on my own, but I can control what I spend on gas, and how efficiently I use it. Here is what I have come up with. Hopefully these tips will prove helpful to someone else, as well.

1. Lay off the lead foot. Driving slower increases gas mileage.

2. Make sure your car is well maintained. Worn tires, under inflated tires, breaks, air filters, and old oil cause your car to perform less efficiently. Maintaining your vehicle can cut your fuel consumption by as much as ten percent, according to my mechanic.

3. Run errands wisely! Don't criss-cross across town, wasting time and precious gas. Take some time to plan your errands and appointments. If you have a dentist appointment on the West side of town at 10:00 am on Tuesday, also plan to stop and pick up that prescription refill down the street from the dentist, order business cards from the copy shop near the two, and get gas at that little mom-and-pop station that somehow manages to stay three cents per gallon cheaper than the big guys (also on that side of town). Take roads that have less traffic, so that you are able to accelerate and brake slower and more smoothly (for in-town driving).

4. Don't idle your engine. The myths that idling is a good way to warm up a vehicle, and is better than turning off the engine and restarting it is just that - a myth! Seriously, though, idling does use more gasoline than turning off your engine and restarting it, even if you are only parked for a minute or two.

5. Clean out your trunk and remove any unnecessary roof toppers. The extra weight of many unneeded items in your trunk, and the extra weight and drag of something strapped to the roof of your vehicle will only drag it down.

6. Park your car when you stop at Taco Bell. You can get done faster inside many times anyway, and you aren't having to idle forever at the drive-through.

7. Try to drive in good weather. Rain, snow, and fog can cause many things to possibly decrease fuel consumption efficiency - more rolling resistance, less traction, more braking, inconsistent speeds - not to mention increase the risk of an accident.

8. Avoid short trips. Cold engines are less efficient, according to my mechanic.

9. Use cruise control on flat roads, but not hilly ones, as the throttle variance is inefficient when changing from flat to uphill to downhill driving.

10. Use your air conditioning wisely - early in the mornings or late in the evenings, sometimes using outside air through the vents, or using the air conditioner for a short period of time and then switching to the recirculate inside air setting will work fine.

11. Trade "down". Trade down to a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle. Hummers look cool, but paying the fuel bill is anything but cool. SUV's carry the whole family, but also a high fuel cost. If, like my family, a large vehicle is necessary to seat everyone, use an alternate mode of transportation when going in smaller groups. Does mom have a mini-van and dad have a sedan? Mom, you can opt for the sedan when headed out alone, or with just one of the kids.

12. Of course, everyone's least favorite: drive less. Do you really have to drive down the street three blocks to your friend's home? Or a block and a half to the convenience store for a candy bar? My kids and I walk the block to church every Sunday and Wednesday as much as I can manage it. Often times, if we have a load of supplies or food to bring, we pull the wagon along with us. Is taking the bus really that bad? In less urban areas, mass transit is beginning to blossom. Smaller towns are beginning to use busses more often. Many kids have never been on a city bus. Make a day out of it. Take them on a bus tour of their own town - stopping at local historical areas, parks, or other attractions between running errands or shopping. Wear backpacks and pack a picnic lunch for everyone. What a great way to save all that Saturday - errand gas, and also spend time with your family! All alone? Bring a book you've been meaning to read. When we all drive less the gas companies lower prices, and even the government takes notice, because fuel taxes pay for highway maintenance. Make a statement.

13. Cut out bad habits! Carpool for any trips you can - make agreements with your neighbors to take turns taking the kids to school (or put them on the bus if it is an option), which cuts both of your gas costs for this task in half. I have an aunt that drives to her mailbox. It's probably less than 25 yards, but she would prefer not to walk it. Don't do this, unless it is a physical or health issue. Call before you stop by! When you drive across town to your mother's house, and she isn't there, you have wasted gas for no reason. Don't use your 4-wheel drive when it isn't necessary. Take one of the first parking spots you see,and don't circle parking lots like George Constanza in search of the perfect spot. Walking a few extra spaces will not likely kill you, and sometimes saves you time spent endlessly driving around and around to find your seats, shop, or take care of whatever it is you are there to do.

14. Track your fuel consumption, and analyze where you may be "leaking' unnecessary costs. Is loaning your teenage son the vehicle on Friday nights costing you like crazy? Make him pay for his own gas! (Or, as an alternative, give him a mileage limit - and charge him for each mile he goes over. After all, cruising the strip over and over looking for hot girls causes you wear and tear on your vehicle, and what better way to teach him the cost of entertainment than by making him pay for his own?)

Just putting a little thought and planning into how, when, where, and why you drive will decrease your fuel spending, and increase the awareness of oil companies and government officials. Give it a try. Save a buck and make a statement. The more drivers who do so, the more likely we are to have more research poured into alternative fuel sources, types, and means of funding highway construction and maintenance.
Happy driving (but only when you have to)!