Reduce the Cost of Gasoline by Raising the Efficiency of Fuel Use

You may not be able to control gasoline prices at the pump, but a few tricks once it's in the tank can make a difference

As we all know, those pennies add up, especially when they're applied to a per gallon price of gasoline. Those horrid numbers at the pumps keep climbing with nary a downward slide in sight. The bottom line for the greatest savings is: patience rules the day - and the gas gauge. In other words, don't race from point A to point B. Make steady, thoughtful moves, including braking and acceleration. Leave the frenzy to others.

Here are a few quick tips that could result in the savings of a few pennies - enough to make a significant difference!

Wave to those Speed Demons - Tired of watching all those speeders whiz past you on the highways? Smile, sit back, and enjoy the ride. You're the one who'll be last to the gasoline pump, too, as they run out long before you do. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site, fuel efficiency drops drastically at speeds over 60 mph. - generally 20 cents per gallon (they base this on a pump price of $2.91/gal.). Vehicles will vary, of course, but isn't that an incentive to resist the urge to keep up with the rest of the pack? Not to mention, it's also safer.

Clean 'er up - Who hasn't been kidded about cleaning up a dirty car for better gas mileage. Well, it's true, but not because of less weight. It's all about wind drag. A clean surface and good wax job really will reduce drag. There you have it.

The Weight Loss Issue - You can't help your own - weight, that is - or that of your passengers. Just get rid of everything else that is unnecessary to the trip at hand. Trunk full? Remove and stash somewhere else. This will also reduce drag on the fuel lines.

Maintain to Retain - you'll keep more gas in the tank by staying up-to-date on vehicle maintenance issues. There can be a serious loss of efficiency when tires are over- or under-inflated, or when interior components - such as filters and sensors - start to fail.

Buy the Cheap Stuff - Most vehicle will realize no difference in fuel economy regardless of octane rating. (The exception would be high-compression engines - something most of us don't have to worry about. A noisy engine, however, might also indicate the need for an upgrade.)

Keep it Temperature Controlled - Driving with the windows down can also create drag. You simply won't create fuel efficiency by turning off the air conditioner on a hot day.

You can still go into Overdrive - If your vehicle has that option, use it on the highways. That will translate into gas savings, too, as it slows the rpm.