Gas Prices Continue to Soar: Ways to Help You Save Money
As we head into the summer, gas prices continue to reach record breaking highs. Remember the days you could fill up your vehicle for around $18? As of last week, gas prices average $3.22 per gallon nationwide (as of 6/4/07). That’s 12 cents more than the previous week and 40 cents more than last year.
While we can’t do anything about the price of gas, we can do something about the frequency we stop to fill-up. Below you will find six proven ways to save money on gas during the summer months, however; recognizing that the cost of driving is still going to be outrageous, you can easily offset the extra expense by saving on your monthly car insurance bill instead.
1) Drive at Steady Speeds (Save $0.10 to $0.20/Gallon)
It may sound a bit like an elementary drivers-ed lesson, but driving steadily at the speed limit is the best way to control gas consumption.
Experts estimate that for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, you are effectively adding $0.10 to $0.20 to each gallon of gas you purchase. As stops and starts negatively affect your gas mileage, try to avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Similarly, try to control the horses in your engine and limit your rapid accelerations.
2) Keep Your Car Tuned-Up (Save 11.4 Miles per Gallon)
Some mechanics estimate that a poorly tuned engine can use up to 50% more gas than one that is running well. In fact, according to the National Car Care Council (carcare.org), if you combine under-inflated tires, a dirty air filter, worn spark plugs, a worn oxygen sensor, dirty oil, and a loose gas cap, you could be loosing up to 11.4 miles per gallon of gas.
Condition Effect MPG Penalty
Under-inflated Tires
Increase rolling resistance
1-2 mpg
Dirty Air Filter
Causes excessively rich fuel/air mixture 2.0 mpg
Worn Spark Plugs
Cause inefficient combustion, wasted fuel
2.0 mpg
Worn Oxygen Sensor
Unable to detect and adjust air/fuel mixture
3.0 mpg
Dirty or Substandard Engine Oil Increases internal engine friction
.4 mpg
Loose Gas Cap Allows fuel to evaporate 2.0 mpg
Potential loss in fuel economy if all of the above are neglected: 11.4 mpg
Source: National Car Care Council (carcare.org)
3) Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated (Save 3.3% on Gas)
Underinflated tires will cause you to consume more gas. The U.S. Department of Energy says that drivers can save an average of 3.3% by keeping their tires properly inflated. The proper inflation for your tires should be specified in your owner’s manual.
4) Cut Down on A/C and Extra Baggage (Save 2% on Gas)
While on the highway, closed windows decrease air resistance, but when you are driving down city streets and in stop-and-go traffic, it’s a good idea to open the windows rather then run the air conditioner. Additionally, limit the amount of stuff you keep in your trunk or on your roof racks. An extra 100 pounds in your truck or on your roof rack, reduces a typical fuel economy by 1-2%.
bth9461
SLOW DOWN,
I have been running around 65mph mostly this year. Much of my freight has been of the less wind resistant type this year. Hauling more for the same people than in past years. Any way I think I have been getting a little spoiled, Last year I was running 63 to 58 depending on the wind resitance of the load. I just got back from Philly and ran 60 most of the way, it helped. I would estimate I burned about 25 gallons less, than if I had run 65mph. Trip took about 1 hour more each way, but I made all of my drops/picks on time, made to the same hotels I usually stay at also. The cost savings in fuel covered my Tolls (500 miles each way are tolls). Hardly ever had to pass anyone either, made the drive less stressful too. I hade an H2 Hummer on the way out, they drag a lot of air. And was listening to Kevin Rutherford on XM171 Sunday/Saturday 4-7pm. He always preechs slowing down to save fuel/MONEY. So I just set the C/C and enjoyed the seenery.
Increased the milage by 2mpg by droping 5mph both ways. About 18% less fuel, thats like taking a 54 cents a gallon discount at the pump @3 bucks retail. Heading out Wedensday with a heavy load asphalt paving trailers backs forward for loading/unloading they usually suck fuel pretty good. Same route, will see if it works the same.
Brian
TGPILOT
Hey Brian, glad you saw the light so to speak.....lol That is what I have been preaching too. Slow down to 55-58 mph and watch the savings. And your more relaxed, less stress on you and the truck.
Kevin also says that for every mile you gain, that's 10,000 back in your pocket based on a hundred K a year.
I may see you if the timing is right when you come down. We can get Stroker to run the grill, cobb to set the table and we can all have fun.
Later guys. Gotta go to sleep, pulling out in five hours.
Tom
LBZ
Back on this side of the country it is easier to run 58-62 as that seems to be the flow, plus more restrictive speed limits than out west...I always tried to lock my cruise around 60 as that was kind of the sweet spot.
I remember watching a couple guys go barreling through places like WY with smoke trails going up all the hills pushing it for all she was worth. Alway wondered where their fuel mileage was at and if what they were hauling compensated them for that extra push.
