The modern world is about transportation. We all set out to get to the next destination as quickly as possible, often in the flashiest vehicles. However, all that movement requires fuel. We’re still working on finding a sustainable replacement for fossil fuels, but in the meantime, here are a few tips for fuel-efficient driving.
The Quest for Cheap Gas
If you’ve been hitting the roads lately, you’re already aware of the outrageous prices we pay at the pump. In an article, Bianna Golodrgya notes this exact problem. Gas prices don’t look like they’re going down substantially any time soon, but Bianna Golodryga suggests several strategies for obtaining cheaper gas.
- One of the suggestions Bianna Golodryga gives: filling up on Fridays. Based on various nationwide studies, it turns out that filling up on Friday saves the most money. In many areas, gas prices increased on Saturday.
- Location plays a big role in how much you’ll pay for gas. On road trips, we’re all tempted to fill up somewhere along the highway. In some cases, we don’t have much choice, but if possible, fill up at a gas station even a minute from the highway. It could save you up to 11 percent. Furthermore, avoid getting gas downtown.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s, and BJ’s offer gas prices at least 3-percent lower than what you’d find at the average gas station.
Toning Down the Aggression
While some people take their time, enjoying their drive in the slow lane, most others prefer more aggressive driving. Toning down the aggressive driving can save you a ton on gas. Hard brakes and jackrabbit starts can increase fuel consumption by up to 40 percent.
Aggressive driving isn’t as efficient as you think either, reducing travel time by a mere 4 percent while increasing toxic emissions five times. When driving in the city, nearly 50 percent of your car’s energy goes towards acceleration. Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Aggressive drivers are also known for their excessive speed, weaving in and out of traffic. Increasing your highway cruising speed from 55 mph to 75 mph will raise fuel consumption as much as 20 percent. Driving even a little slower can improve your mileage 10 to 15 percent.
Tired Tires
Tires take a lot of punishment. Check tire pressure once a month. On average, tires lose about 1 psi a month, along with 1 psi for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Consult your car’s operator manual, door jamb, or tire dealer to determine the proper tire pressure.
Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 6 percent. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, efficient tires could save about 800,000 barrels of oil a day.