Tuesday

SOS Mom Saver: Improve Your Gas Mileage

As we come upon summer, we're again watching the prices of gas go up.  For most of us, that means we need to find a way to make every mile count to save money on gas. 

The US Department of Energy has a site dedicated to helping you get the best gas mileage out of your car.  Who knew our government had an "official source for fuel economy information"?
 
Among the suggestions?
  • Put away the lead foot both when driving and breaking.  This can save you $.18-$1.16 PER gallon.  Do the math on THAT one...and that's just the first suggestion.
  • Slow down.  Every 5 miles that you go over 60 costs you an additional $.24 per gallon.  Looks like Grandma may have the right idea after all!
  • Clean your car.  The more you have in your car, the more you'll pay in gas.  Every 100lbs you remove will save you $.04-$.07/gallon. 
  • Don't idle which does nothing more than waste gas.
  • Drive in overdrive.  It lowers your engine speed saving you gas.
  • Cruise when you're on the highway.  It will keep you at a constant speed which saves you money.  
What do you do to save money on gas?

2 comments:

Michelle W said...

Here's one I read somewhere as well. Go ahead and use the a/c and don't roll down your windows. In the heat of the summer that's a no brainer but in the spring when you like the fresh air i often drive with my windows down but this actually creates drag and makes your engine work harder, using more gas, and it uses more gas than just using your a/c.

Thoughts of THAT mom said...

Thanks, Michelle!