This week’s task, efficient driving, is somewhat new to me. I started researching it more when the gas prices were soaring way above my comfort level. I needed to make my tank of gas last longer between fill-ups. I came across an article in thedailygreen.com just around that time that talked about several ways you can conserve gas just by changing your driving behavior. You can save 10% on gas by utilizing these simple changes.
Ben already touched on some general car maintenance tips that will help save you gas, but I would like to go more into what I believe gives you a noticeable change in your gas consumption right away. Some of these things require some thought right away, but you eventually it becomes a part of the way you drive that you don’t even think about it anymore. First thing, pay attention to the traffic lights. If you notice that the light has turned yellow and you are still far enough away, take your foot off the pedal. This will slow you down enough, that you probably won’t have to break, and the light will turn green before you get there. This not only saves idling time, but also wear and tear on your breaks. Cost savings: 66-70 cents per gallon.
Second tip; don’t use your cars’ heat or air conditioning unless you absolutely need to. This last summer I don’t think I even used my air conditioner once. I opened the nice little window, and that worked enough to keep me comfortable. Also don’t idle your car. This incorporates warming up your car in the winter, which I am not sure if I believe it doesn’t help, but if I am planning on waiting over 30 seconds, I turn off my car.
Third tip; clean out your car. For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses 1 to 2% in fuel efficiency. Not only does this make your car easier to car-pool your favorite co-workers, but also saves you an extra 3 cents per gallon for every 100 pounds of junk removed.
Fourth tip; slow down. This has many facets to it. First don’t “jack-rabbit” start and stop. Rapid acceleration and breaking can decrease fuel economy by 33%. Also, mind the speed limit. You burn 10% more fuel at 65 mph than you do at 55. At 70 you lose 17%, and 75 mph you are 25% less fuel efficient. Ah-hem Ben! Mr. “I like to drive 80 mph to keep up with everybody else” Myhre. I also learned that there is an organization drive55.org that promotes this notion of staying at 55 mph or below will keep you safer and improve the fuel efficiency of your car dramatically.
A lot of things to teach yourself, but these things become a part of your driving habits quickly. Before I would fill up every 2 weeks; now that it’s colder, and I have implemented these new driving habits I have increased the amount of time between fill-ups by a week. If there is any other tips you have for improving the efficiency of your car, leave us a note in the section below.
