Filling up for Less

Worried about the high cost of gas this summer? Here's some easy ways to save money at the pump--and make a difference for the planet too:

Mind your maintenance. A well-tuned car burns less gasoline, so get your oil and air filters changed regularly. Not sure if your filter needs changing? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If you can't see any light coming through, it's too dirty. It's also important to check your tire pressure monthly. (You'll get the most consistent results by using your own gauge when the car is cold.) Americans driving on under-inflated tires waste 4 million gallons of gas a day and reduce the lifespan of their tires.

Clear out the clutter. According to the Department of Energy, every 100 pounds you carry inside your car lowers its fuel economy by one to two percent. So if you don't need it on the trip you’re taking, don't have it in your trunk.

Don't drive like a jerk. Fast, aggressive driving is a big fuel waster. Try to maintain a constant speed--most cars reach peak efficiency while cruising steady between 55 and 60 miles per hour--and avoid rapid acceleration and braking, which can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent. (And make everyone else on the road hate you.)

Keep your cool. Need relief from the heat? Consumer Reports recommends using the air conditioner if you're going faster than around 40 miles per hour, since a lot of engine power at high speeds goes to reducing drag. When you're cruising around town, it's more efficient to keep your windows open.

Think different. Could some of your short trips be made on public transportation, or by walking or riding a bike? Combining trips also helps, as does carpooling with friends.

Want to know how much you'd save on gas if your car got 40 miles to the gallon? Visit the Sierra Club's MPG calculator. Just enter in your car's make, model, and how many miles you drive each year, and it'll do the math for you.

Comments

[Keane]

It is important to note here that the correct tire pressure should be based on what's stated in the car's manual and not the information stated on the side walls of the car tires.

[Diane MacEachern]

Using cruise control for highway driving will get you as much as a 14% fuel efficiency gain, too. Generally, anything you can do to improve the operating efficiency of the vehicle will reduce gas consumption.

[Jennifer Hattam]

Great suggestions, thanks!

[J.A.G. Hollingsworth]

Lose weight to save fuel.

Every additional 100 lbs requires @ 10hp to manage.

Clean out the floorboard of the back seating area and/or passenger side, as well as remove the forgetten, unnecessary, heavy whatevers in the trunk.

Also, reducing personal body weight actually does make a difference in motor vehicular fuel consumption.

Even better, demand and buy lighter weight motor vehicles. Lighter they require less fuel, use less tires, and use less braking material.

There is no substitute for lightness.

There are no negative environmental impacts or compromises when energy is not needed and thus saved.

Even in lighter motor vehicles the most important safety equipment is the operator.

A low tech way to see if your engine needs a tune up, IE is running too rich, is to put your hand briefly in the exhaust plume (about 3 inches from the exit port), then smell your hand. If it smells like gasoline, you are not burning all your fuel, but are dumping it and $ wasted into the atmosphere.
Best remedy is: fresh spark plugs, clean air filter, fresh fuel filter, and a fresh engine oil change.

Oh did I mention, there is no substitute for lightness?

[Pat Kittle]

I dropped out of the Sierra Club after being a member for over 20 years. Why? Because of its hypocrisy regarding human population growth (which in the world's most wasteful country, is overwhelmingly from mass immigration, which the Sierra Club refuses to touch).

Yet even in non-immigration matters like the one discussed here, the Club ignores the single biggest factor in reducing hydrocarbon use -- BIRTH CONTROL!!

[Emily]

I am going to have to agree with the comment posted by J.A.G. Hollingsworth, why would you not touch on that topic? Too political or are you worried that you are going to offend too many people? Too bad, people need to be offended, sometimes that is the only way they are going to see what is going on around them. One of the best ways to approach our environmental problems is right at your local doctor's office, BIRTH CONTROLL!

[Billg]

How can you in one paragraph say that maximum efficiency is achieved cruising at 55 or 60 MPH and in the next paragraph say that a lot of engine power at speeds over 40 MPH goes to reducing drag?
I always thought the most efficient cruising speed was about 35 MPH becausee of wind resistance at higher speeds, which I believe was even stated by President Jimmy Carter in the last "gas crisis".

[PatPurr]

Efficiency comes at 45-55 because most transmissions will be in their "tallest" gear meaning the engine rpm's are lowest per miles travelled. That gearing benefit outweighs the drag increase, especially for the more modern designs where drag is much reduced for all speeds.

[Thunder]

Gotta agree with Pat... best mileage at 50ish... dropping off as you go up or down from there. You will get the same crummy MPG at 35 mph as you will at 75 mph. I drive a Honda Insight and over the last 75K miles my best performance is between 50 and 55. BTW, I have averaged over 68 mpg for all of those miles. I will never sell that car.

[Ecoguy]

Wish everyone had a ride like PatPurr. But no matter what kind of car one has, I know of another way to help. There's a product out there that I use that increases mileage by 7-19% and BEST of all reduces emissions by 30% or more! It's being used in Bejing right now to clean the air before the Olympics, used by trucking companies and has recently been marketed to the general public. Their website is www.4planetearth.net/airfresh. Lots of celebs at the recent Emmeys were turned on to it. I think it's a great product.

[Jay]

You could have your tires filled with nitrogen the Benefits High-Purity Nitrogen tire inflation has been used for many years by industry professionals. They used the gas primarily for increased safety, better pressure retention and increased pressure stability. While High-Purity Nitrogen inflation does not relieve the motorist from checking their tire pressure regularly, it will on average maintain a safe level of tire pressure for a much longer period of time. In addition, it will reduce tire aging, wheel oxidation and reduce pressure swings caused by moisture found in regular compressed air.

http://squidoo.com/getcashback

[TM Akashi]

Thanks to the Sierra Club for their diligent efforts at protecting the environment. Unfortunately, humans need constant reminders, as the consequences of global warming are largely invisible. At http://www.adropofblood.org is a way to keep this critical issue in view and in mind.

[Hunter (Save Gas Expert)]

Some good tips but as with most 'gas saving advice', there are many misconceptions here. For example, cruise control CAN help save gas but it can also waste gas! Yep, using cruise control on hills a) negates gravity when going down and b) fights gravity when going up... Why not use gravity to your advantage thus not needing to 'floor it' when on the incline (which is what cruise control does)?

Hunter

p.s. Also, vehicles' best gas mileage differ depending on many factors. My 5-speed gets it's best gas mileage right around 76mph (2,750 rpms).

p.p.s. Another huge misconception is that 'holding steady at one speed ALWAYS saves gas. This isn't true either.

[donna joyce]

Have you covered the homemade water/gas hybrid cars. Please check out water4gas.com. I saw the cars in person a few days ago and was amazed. With home made stuff costing about $60 they are able to turn any car (older ones are easier to do) into a water hybrid. It takes the hydrogen from water in the jar and feeds the engine. The cars mpg doubles. A mechanic needs to do this which would cost a few hundred dollars.

[Grace Higgins]

Does anyone know why all of a sudden people are coming out of the woodwork wanting to buy my slant 6 225 motor? Is it convertible to burn other fuels or something? It's in my 1965 Dodge Coronet which is a huge monster of a car but it gets remarkably great gas mileage. Someone offered me $3,000 just for the motor. I'm never selling it.

[Gary Hartzler]

All we need to do RIGHT NOW to cut our fuel usage down in this country is SLOW DOWN to 60 (55?).

Air cleaners, closing windows, and proper tire pressure will have a 1% effect nationwide, at best. Slowing down to 60 or 55 will immediately reduce fuel consumption nation-wide by about 10% (admittedly, just my best guess).

This immediate reduction of 10% of our demand would also do wonders for lowering gas prices!

Gary

[Fran]

Slowing down doesn't always help. You need to find the right speed for your car and the roads you drive. Always track your MPG and keep a record of it. Note how you drove the weeks you got the best millage and learn from it. Every car is different. My father's car lost 10 MPG when the 55MPH speed limit was put into effect. It didn't save him anything.

[tabankor]

Anticipating what is going to happen on the road and acting accordingly such as lifting the foot off the gas pedal before getting to a red traffic light or a curve will vastly improve gas mileage

[julie woods]

I've noticed on the back country roads I drive on every day, there is always a big SUV or truck right on my tail....when I am driving the exact speed limit? Eventually, they gun their motors and fly past me. We usually end up at the same stop sign at the same time.

[DAVEG]

I have been trying to max out my milage for some time...although I do get into the gas on occasion. I changed to synthetic oil (real syn not a blend) and use synthetic gear oil. Also synthetic bearing and UV joint lube will drastically reduce friction. Lighter wheels and tires will save enegry as will a lighter flywheel. Engines that get more fresh cool air make more power rather than just heated under hood air.

Subtle changes can make a big difference although coasting down hill and not ideling for long periods over 30 seconds can save also. I am always amazed that drivers will sit waiting for a train or traffic jam with their engine running.

[Mark]

i have to disagree with post that you should follow owners manual for tire pressure. car manufacturer sets tire pressure for the best ride, not fuel consumption. for max safe mpg set tire psi at the max rated on the tire by the tire manufacturer, yes you will get a slightly harsher ride but not a big deal you get used to it, and actually the car will handle corners better, autocross racers have done this for decades.

[Amos Thompson]

The 40 mph referred to earlier is about the windows being opened or closed. The car is aerodynamically "cleaner" with the windows closed. The drag from the windows being open starts to become significant when the car reaches about 40 mph, thus closing them at 40 mph removes the cause of the added drag. Drag is pretty much a straight line function up to about 55 mph, which is why Pres. Carter asked Congress to set the speed limits at 55 mph. Belond 55/60 mph it increases non-linearly. Hope that clears it up. Incidently, the death rates in accidents begin to go up non-linearly at about 55 mph. Beyond 55 mph deaths per 1000 accidents double every 10 mph above 55 mph. Another reason to slow down.

[dvira]

In regards to the idea that birth control is the end to all solutions, I disagree. Although the rise of teh world population is daunting, it's a person's lifstyle that leaves the biggest ecological footprint. A family of ten in a third world country uses less resources per capita then a family of three in the states. One person with a SUV verses 20 people on a minibus transit.....

[Ed Miller]

I disagree with dvira. First no one said it is "end to all solutions" (or, what I think she meant, solution to all problems) But birth control is the underlying and most fundamental of the problems. How one lives and conserves helps to an extent but if the population keeps growing no amount of conservation will remedy the situation. Each person needs his/her basics.
Why people rebel against this concept so vigorously is beyond me. From the early writings of Malthus, showing that population increases geometrically, rather than arithmetically, to the spell-binding truths of Erlich's "Population Bomb" in the early 60's most people just ignore these facts. Maybe it threatens them or their world-view too much, maybe they think one person can't make a difference, maybe they get depressed if they take it to heart. For whatever reason most refuse to consider these facts and continue life with their blinders on. Environmental activism is great and good but its kind of superficial to the underlying problem of overpopulation. (interesting fact: population in U.S. had doubled since the 60's!)
New topic: If you have a roof rack and are not continually using it, try removing the cross bars. On my Outback that alone made over 2mpg difference at 63mph in same conditions.

[Mike]

Conservation is great, but fat, lazy Americans need to stop driving huge Escalade / Tahoe / Expedition type SUVs and buy smaller vehicles. Most of the time these people are the only one in their monster truck, and they drive like A-Holes, tailgating & bullying other drivers, spewing huge amounts of greenhouse gases at 75 mph. They stupidly think they are safer, when bigger trucks are harder to handle and have a higher rollover rate. People need to live closer to work, stop driving so much, and SLOW DOWN....

[Garko Novis]

buying gas has become a major investment decision, as in "do i invest in some food so i can get thru the day or some gas so i can get where i have to go?" It should never be this way but it is. But that doesn't mean we have to just suffer. There is a real solution in Water4Gas and you owe it to yourself to check it out! http://w4g4mpg.info

[Mike Hickmon]

I'm turning my 1990 Lexus LS400 into a hybrid. Well sort of. I'm doing the water for Gas thing. what I'm doing is that I am making 4 electrolizers to boost the effectiveness of this system. I'm starting out with 18-23 mpg. I guess that that is good for a V8 these days. I want 30 or more...

http://water-for-gas-reviews.com/

[Trex in San Diego]

I drive an SUV. About once every two weeks. The rest of the time I walk to work. Lose the self-righteous hybrid attitude, and make a real choice to live in a smaller place, closer to work.

[Megan C. Timberlake]

The most energy a car uses is in BEING MANUFACTURED in the first place. Mercedes-Benz builds cars - or used to - with the idea their cars can be HANDED DOWN from GENERATION to GENERATION. I have no children (a "green" decision made 33 years ago, at 23; yes, I've regretted it). But if I did, THEIR children could now drive my Model 220 - a champ. I've owned lighter cars, but as trucks get bigger (as do SUVs), my having a sturdier car is worth significantly improved survival odds - for me AND my passengers. The 220 sedan can carry 4 passengers, as I try to do, including by picking up hitchikers. I overinflate my tires a little, keep all the fluid reservoirs full, removed the air-conditioner, for coolth use only 1 of 2 irreplaceable ventilator windows, try to anticipate other drivers' actions, get off the gas before braking, leave only immediately useful things in the trunk, have no radio or music distractions except occasional singing, keep steady speed on up- and down-hills, try to drive at about 60 mph on freeways, try to find shortest routes and those with fewest stops, currently work at home, food shop only about twice a month, and am looking into the water-for-gas after moaning for 3 decades that our gov'ts should help RETROFIT EXISTING CARS to cleaner fuels (and we tried all through the 1970s to do that for the VWs we owned then). KEEP IT UP, EVERYONE. We'll conquer this problem!

Using these simple tips I have been able to go from 25mpg on my 2003 Saturn Vue SUV to 30-32mpg over the last few months.

1. Change your air filter.

2. Check for gas tank leaks.

3. Use the correct seasonal tires.

4. Inflate your tires properly (usually 35psi).

5. Clear out your trunk.

6. Fill up when it is cool outside.

7. Drive a light-colored car.

8. Park in the shade.

9. Don't top off your gas - it will spill.

10. Tighten your gas cap.

11. Use correct fuel grade for your car - check the owner's manual.

12. Limit air conditioner use.

13. Roll up windows on the freeway.

14. Avoid roof hauls.

15. Don't idle in the morning.

16. Turn off air conditioner, radio, and other electronics when you start your car/truck.

17. Plan your route away from traffic jams and construction.

18. Go the speed limit - driving at 70mph uses 20% more gas than 55mph.

19. Drive evenly on the gas pedal.

20. Avoid sudden stops.

21. Avoid idling while driving - 1 hour of idling will burn a gallon of gas.

22. Only use the right foot on the pedals.

23. Don't weave in and out of traffic.

24. Accelerate before you go up a hill instead of on it.

25. Check local gas stations for discount days.

26. Fill up 3 days before holidays.

27. Fill up on near empty.

28. Look for member benefits - usually offer $0.03 off per gallon or more.

29. Look for credit card discounts.

30. Use public transportation whenever possible.

SOURCE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MlF1GJFLSI

http://www.62tipstosavegas.com

[Save Gas]

nice list.

[Dan]

The best suggestions to increase efficiency involve changing personal behavior. Government solutions to perceived problems always have unintended consequences - read about the ethanol disaster we're currently involved in today. I hear that a former Sierra Club Leader is now in favor of nuclear energy? Where were you 30 years ago? Now, thanks to ignorant policies of the 1970's, the US is now decades behind the world in energy technology - even a third-world Nazi dictatorship like Iran can see that nukes are the way to go. Want to plug in your battery car? In the end, 80% of the charge will be supplied by dirty, old coal, thanks to the green boomers.

Oh, and concerning the "run your car on water" scams? Don't waste your time OR money - they don't work and are just making the scammers rich.
Dan

[Mike]

Another good thing to do is not use drive thrus. Many people think they are more convenient, but often, you spend a longer time in the line than if you went into the establishement instead. All the idling just wastes gas.

[Run your car on water]

Hey there I really enjoyed reding your blog and its good that people are getting the word out on this technology. PLease feel free to visit my blog http://run-your-car-on-water.blogspot.com/

[rad]

The best way to save gas is to not use any. Walk, ride bike, public transportation, move closer to work.

My favorite is my electric bike. 1/2 cent per mile to recharge. Pedal if you want exercise, don't if you don't feel like it.

Rad