May 14, 2008

TT # 62


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13 ways to save money on gas.

1. Get regular tune-ups - A properly tuned car is more fuel-efficient.

2. Consolidate your errands - Organize your day of errands so you get as much done as possible in one trip.

3. Check tires and alignment - Make sure the tire pressure is always kept at the recommended tire pressure.

4. Get rid of the gas guzzler - Gas is already expensive why make it worse? However, if you love your gas guzzler...try to keep it at the speed limit (easier said than done sometimes, especially when you like to go fast). I need to learn this when Im driving DBF Michaels truck.

5. Slow down - Higher speed can decrease your gas mileage by more than 20% due to wind resistance. (I'm guilty as charged on this one).

6. Avoid jack-rabbit starts - Quick acceleration from a standing stop is a real strain on the engine and burns fuel. In rush hour traffic, leave enough space between you and the car in front of you so that you can keep your car in motion. It's better than stop-and-go driving.

7. Drive at a steady rate of speed - Slowing down and speeding up wastes fuel.

8. Close the windows on the freeway - Driving with the windows down at higher speeds causes a lot of drag, and can reduce your mileage by as much as 10%.(unless you have a car with no air conditioning, then its worth it).

9. Carpool - Some companies even give incentive for this.

10. Use Cruise Control - Its easy to get a heavy foot when you're in a hurry.

11. Ride a bike - I know this doesn't help most but some people are within a reasonable distance from work.

12. Take the bus - My DBF Michael and I took a bus when we went to Long Beach to get around town. It wasn't half bad.

13. Don't drive - unless you have to. Trying walking to the store for that gallon of milk. It will help you get in shape too.

22 comments:

Chelle Y. said...

This is the second TT I have read about saving gas. It is about 3.85 here. Crazy!

Crazy Working Mom said...

These are all tips we can use right now for sure!!!

Lori said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
storyteller said...

These are all excellent suggestions … most of which I practice consistently already, but it never hurts to be reminded. I really don’t drive much at all these days and that really helps. My T-13 is up early again because I’ve got an early class tomorrow morning. It’s at Small Reflections.
Hugs and blessings,

Anonymous said...

Good list and much needed now!

Thanks for visiting my site!

Forgetfulone said...

My husband and I talked about this tonight. We need to trade our truck in. This week, since our daughter's away, we're driving her car. And we don't want to drive if we don't have to. We carpool the kids to and from school, which is good. We gotta do something!

pussreboots said...

I've been lucky enough to telecommute for the last two years. When I do drive I can squeeze 36 mpg out of my Civic. Happy TT.

anthonynorth said...

Great ideas. I've followed #13 for years.

SandyCarlson said...

Lori,
Thanks for this. You educated me.
My brother-in-law commutes via train. He knocks off a lot of work just by brining his laptop along. (Keeps up with his teams, too.) The stress relief is amazing, though.

Tink said...

Wow, gas is a hot topic over there! Don't worry, I just figured out we pay 2.5 times your price...
Thanks for visiting my 80's TT!

Susan Demeter said...

Great list idea, and definitely a sign of the times....

Happy TT and thanks for stopping by!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Yeah, I've been doing all that for about a year now. Seriously; I started driving less when gas prices topped two fifty!

I wish I could ride my bike more, but there are a couple of bridges that are too narrow to ride on safely.

I hope that changes. That either the cars make room for the bikes (NOT likely) or that the PA DOT widens those bridges. Also not likely. *sigh*

Darla said...

Gas prices here in Germany are over $8/gallon. Bikes and public transportation are very popular. There are still a lot of cars on the road, but people do tend to be a lot more conscientious about not hopping in the car for a 2-block errand.

Michelle said...

Great idea for TT. I'm always trying to find a way to save on gas. It's crazy how much it is today. Happy TT.

Bethanie said...

*pouts*

I love #6. :( But you're absolutely right.

My place of employment actually will pay for me to take the bus - all I have to do is swipe my ID - but the ride takes an hour and a half, so it's not terribly convenient. Still, I'm seriously considering it, because if gas gets any worse around here it's that or coffee, and coffee is NOT OPTIONAL!!

Tammy said...

Funny I did mine on the same thing. Gas is about $3.85 here.

Anonymous said...

These are all great tips!

Jane said...

Good list. I just emptied out my trunk on the weekend to lighten up my car. Am checking out cars so when my lease is up next year I can get something more fuel efficient. I drive a small car, but think I can do better.

Nicole Austin said...

The gas situation is insane! Great tips!

The Happy Housewife said...

Great list, I think everyone needs this right now!
Toni
http://thehappyhousewife.com

Nicholas said...

All very good advice. Of course, it helps if the town where you live has an efficient public transport service. And whatever happened to the electric car people used to predict? That would make such a difference it it was generally available.

Joy Renee said...

some great tips.

glad you enjoyed the silly book title list at my TT. that BTW came from an email fwd--an eleven page, 10pt font, single spaced attachment sent to me about four years ago by my sister who, when it was sent to her, remembered how we three sibs as kids would make up these hilarious author/title combos on road trips.