Saving gas while driving is always a good idea. Saving gas saves money, and the driving practices that reduce gas consumption generally put less strain on the car's systems, increasing the car's life and cutting repair bills.
At the time of writing (February 2009), the price of gasoline in the United States was coming off a three-year low and had started rising again. Drivers who make saving gas a habit will reap the benefits later if gas reaches $4 a gallon again.
Here are some safe and easy tips for saving gas that motorists can put into practice right away -- without buying new, more fuel-efficient cars.
Accelerate Gently
Some drivers mash the gas pedal to the floor the instant the light turns green. Such "jackrabbit starts" can reduce gas mileage by 5 percent. In addition, they cause undue wear and tear on the car's tires and drivetrain. New tires can be expensive, while drivetrain repairs routinely run into four figures.
Moving off gently and smoothly from a standing start, on the other hand, saves gas and costly repairs, and helps the car live longer.
Inflate Tires to the Proper Pressure
Proper tire inflation ensures better gas mileage, saves gas costs and prolongs tire life. Check tire pressures at least once a month, using a tire pressure gauge. Do not rely on a visual inspection to tell if the tires have sufficient air.
Avoid over- and under-inflation of tires. Both will cause uneven tread wear and reduce the effectiveness of the tires. Not sure of the correct tire pressure? Manufacturers usually list the recommended pressure in the owner's manual. If the owner's manual is not available, look for a sticker on the driver's door pillar. The specifications will be shown on the sticker.
Drive at Moderate Speeds
Speeding on the highway reduces gas mileage because the car has to overcome wind drag. Slowing down saves gas and increases safety -- and, as a bonus, reduces chances of getting a speeding ticket.
Roll Windows Up at Highway Speeds
Many motorists leave windows open on the highway to cool the car's interior, rather than shut the windows and run the air conditioner. Far from saving gas, this practice increases gas consumption.
Modern cars have highly efficient air conditioners that increase gas consumption only marginally. Any gas savings from not turning the air conditioner on are more than offset by higher usage of gas to fight wind drag.
However, at low speeds, say below 35 mph, wind resistance isn't much of a factor, so turning off the a/c and rolling the windows down will save gas.
As the above examples show, with just a few changes in driving habits, people can start saving gas immediately. The results will benefit their pocketbooks, their cars, and the environment.
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