Save Gas If You Can
A new Goldman Sachs prediction pointed out that crude oil prices could rise to $150-200 a barrel within two years as the average gas prices at the pump nationwide are approaching $4/gallon. Has your driving behavior changed?
According to AAA, 65% of American car owners said they would dramatically change their driving behavior if gas prices hit $4. Unless you live in a city with a good public transporation system, driving less might not be an option. However, don’t be discouraged if you don’t drive a Prius because inexpensive vehicle maintenance and good driving behavior can save you as much as $1,200/year. I bet you heard the following gas mileage tips somewhere but treat them as a reminder if you haven’t followed so:
- Properly Inflated Tires ($0.11/gallon): Find out the suggested tire pressure on the tire or the car owner’s manual. Driving with improperly inflated tires is like driving with the parking brake on.
- Removing Excess Weight ($0.04-$0.07/gallon): We know we should clean up our truck and back seat.
- Tune-ups ($0.14-$0.35/gallon): Follow the maintenance schedule on the car owner’s manual. Oil changes and good air filters are as essential as our dentist appointments. A well maintained car is safer and will avoid big repairs.
- Driving Behavior ($0.25-$0.81/gallon): It’s all about our right foot on the pedals. Keep consistent speed and avoid rapid deceleration with the break pedal and acceleration with the gas pedal. We should drive like we don’t have any breaks. To avoid hitting the break unnecessarily, we can keep a large buffer zone distance between us and the car ahead. In addition, we accelerate slowly away from green lights and stop gradually for red lights/stop signs. Lift our foot from the gas pedal when we’re approaching a yellow/red light/stop sign, a slower car, or a car with breaklights.
You know you’re doing well and saving money when you succeed in hypermilling by exceeding your car’s EPA estimated fuel efficiency. There’re few more advanced techniques but I try not to recommend extremes.
Last but not least: Drive safe!
