How to save gas

[backinsaddle]

I know there's already about 6 threads on fuel prices, but I thought I'd start a thread on how to conserve.  Add your ideas:

Drive the speed limit.  I know I don't, I'm usually 10-20mph over the speed limit, and that just kills the gas mileage.  I'm getting 15 mpg, and everyone I know that has the same truck is getting 20-21mpg.  I think you're best fuel economy is 35-55 mph range?  Maybe someone can confirm.

Maintain your vehicle...oil, air, tire pressure.  Some people say you can get better mileage by switching to synthetic oil...but you have to be careful with switching to synthetics with cars that have higher mileage.

A few tips on this site: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml

[SkyHighT100]

Tips from MSN.com

1. Service Your Vehicle Regularly
    Be sure the air filter and the fuel filter are clean. A new oxygen sensor alone can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 percent, according to AutoZone. Don't forget little things like the air in your tires. Having tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can improve gas mileage by as much as 6 percent, while periodic wheel alignments can help improve fuel economy up to 10 percent. Extra weight decreases gas mileage. According to AutoZone, every 200 pounds of unnecessary weight shaves one mile per gallon off your fuel mileage.


2. Don't Be An Aggresive Driver
    Anticipate stops so you avoid sudden braking, and take a long view of the road ahead, coasting safely to an intersection in front of you where you see traffic stopped.

3. Don't Idle
    Try not to let your vehicle idle... it takes less gas to stop/start your car to go in a restraunt then it does to idle through a drive-thru.

4. Combine Your Errand
    Combine your errands into one trip, rather than taking multiple trips from home. Organize your stops so they're near each other and so you don't retrace your path. You may even be able to park in one central spot and walk between some of your stops rather than driving and parking at each one.

5. Carpool
    This not only saves on gas, but it saves on money. If your neighbors work is located on the way to your own, drive together. If co-workers live near you, drive together. You can combine your funds and only have to supply one vehicle with gas, instead of 2-5.

6. Drive When There's Less Traffic
    When possible, do your driving during times of less traffic. We all know stopping and going wastes gas... when there is less traffic, you are able to drive more smoothly.

7. Find Other Way of Transportation
    When able, ride a bike, walk etc... not only will you be saving gas and money, but you will be losing inches around the waistline as well



-Hope this helps 

[Ida_Mann]

yeah, I actually did some calculations and found that I'm only saving about 5 minutes of time driving at 65 or 70mph going home in the evening than if I drive 55 on cruise control the whole way.

now, driving at 65-70mph I was getting about 15mpg, driving at 55 gets me around 17mpg.

considering I have a 26 mile one way trip, that's an extra $2 in fuel I am saving by sitting in my truck an extra 10 minutes per day.

now, if you take into account that I get a more relaxing time driving by not having to worry about passing anyone, it's much less stress and saving me money,,,,I love it.

people behind me don't like it too much, but oh well.

Id@

[TRX350_On_The_Rack]

yeah, I actually did some calculations and found that I'm only saving about 5 minutes of time driving at 65 or 70mph going home in the evening than if I drive 55 on cruise control the whole way.

now, driving at 65-70mph I was getting about 15mpg, driving at 55 gets me around 17mpg.

considering I have a 26 mile one way trip, that's an extra $2 in fuel I am saving by sitting in my truck an extra 10 minutes per day.

now, if you take into account that I get a more relaxing time driving by not having to worry about passing anyone, it's much less stress and saving me money,,,,I love it.

people behind me don't like it too much, but oh well.

Id@

So your the guy holding up traffic