TIPS TO SAVE GAS
Update October 14, 2012 Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission that may help you save
gas when you drive -- and when you don't drive such as when your car idles in a parking lot. Admit it, we've all done
some gas-wasting things such as delay turning off the engine when we reach our destination, or not getting an oil change when
our car is due for one, or not driving at a steady pace when we can on freeways. Among the tips from the FTC are these:
Don't speed -- the faster you drive the more fuel you car burns. Driving at 65 mph instead of
55 mph increases fuel consumption by 20-percent. Driving at 75 mph instead of 65 mph increases consumption by another
25-percent.
Don't tailgate so you can avoid using your brake and maintain a constant
speed.
Remove excess weight from the car, like golf clubs. Using your trunk
for a storage bin wastes gasoline.
Keep your tires properly inflated and keep your
engine tuned. Clean oil reduces friction in your engine and you get more miles per gallon.
Another tip: buy your gasoline when it is cool. Gasoline expands and even though the tanks are in the ground,
I've heard too many reports that indicate when the weather is hot you are getting slightly less fuel for your dollar.
In fact, some oil industry practices back this up as do some Congressional investigations. Gasoline expands in the heat,
and when it's hot you are getting less fuel for your dollar. Maybe the difference is very, very tiny but drops add up.
Oh, and that means don't top off your tank when you do find a low-priced station. The gas that doesn't go into your
tank is money wasted.
