10 Ways To Be Energy-Efficient And Save On Gas
This is a hot topic.
Earlier, Andrea mentioned 8 fun and easy ways to save money on gas. Plus, even more ways to save at the pump and tips for squeezing the most out of each fill-up.
Believe it or not, I've found a few more ways to be energy-efficient and save on fuel that I'd like to add to that list.
By the way, did you know that gasoline takes up 5% of the average household budget? That's up 21% from a year ago. (Source: Money, July 2008)
Here are some more great ways to save on fuel:
1. Put air in your tires.
Underinflated tires can cut your mileage per gallon by 5%.
2. Maintain a steady speed.
You can save up to 33% by maintaining steadier, slower speeds.
3. Use a credit card that has rewards.
As long as you pay in full each month, then use a credit card that gives cash back when you buy gas.
4. Don't use the air conditioner when in town.
When you're driving at higher speeds, you'll create a lot more drag and use a lot more fuel if your windows are rolled down. Using the AC anytime you're driving below 40 mph makes the most sense.
5. Limit the cruise control.
Only use cruise control on flat roads. When you force your engine to rev up and down to maintain a fixed speed wastes gas.
6. Don't idle or use the drive-thru.
Instead, park your car and go inside. Idling can waste up to a gallon of gas per hour. Starting the car actually uses the same amount of gasoline as 6 seconds of idling does.
7. Drive barefoot.
The increased sensitivity on the pedals helps you accelerate and brake more efficiently.
8. When you rent vehicles, go small.
The smaller the car, the better the mileage. Bonus: Small vehicles cost less to rent anyway.
9. Park in the first spot you find.
Rather than circling around the parking lot trying to find a spot close to the front, just park it and walk. Use the energy to burn calories while you walk, rather than burning fuel in your vehicle.
10. Slow down, rather than coming to a full stop whenever possible.
Not at stop signs, but at stop lights -- whenever you see the light is about to change from red to green for you. Speeding up from 5 or 10 miles per hour uses less gas than starting from full stop does. Just the same, start slow after a full stop -- rather than bursting out of the gate -- if you want to save gas.
Sources: Time Magazine, July 19, 2008 and Money Magazine, July 2008; WikiHow
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