Simple and Effective Ways to Improve Fuel Economy

Gas prices continue to climb, with no apparent end in sight - some predicting that they may double again in the next two years. There's not a lot we can do to lower the price of gas, individually we're "voiceless" in the mega-corporation controlled and internationally-traded world of oil production.

But there are things you can do RIGHT NOW to make real fuel economy improvements and lessen the impact of these high prices. Combined, these tips can save you a bundle off of your current gas spending.

Here are a few easy, and free, ways to help stretch your gas money.

Become a 'Smooth Operator'

It's all about inertia. Remember science class - an "object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest." Your car is a very heavy object - and it takes a lot of energy (stored in your gas) to get that object to start moving after it's been at rest.

Driving smoothly - both when you accelerate and when you break - will help increase fuel economy. Accelerate smoothly while up-shifting to the next gear early (see below). Many of the following tips contribute to the "Smooth Operator" idea.

Potential Savings: Moderate to High

Wind is a Real Drag

That cool roof rack or bike rack is costing you dearly when you carry it around when it's not being used. Wind resistance is greatly increased when you add an "extremity" to the carefully sculpted shape of your car or truck.

Remove the roof racks, racing wings, sports flags, extra ladders or tools, or anything else that is protruding from your car or truck. Keep your car clean, and even wax it for the smoothest finish possible to slice easily thru the air.

Potential Savings: Moderate to High

To the Extreme: Hypermilers sometimes remove the passenger-side mirror to reduce drag even more. (Not recommended)

Upshift Early

If you drive an automatic, and you have an "economy setting" - keep your car in economy mode.

If you drive a manual transmissioned vehicle, you can improve efficiency by not "revving" out the gears, but by doing the opposite - shift as early as is safe, so as not to stall the engine, and to allow a safe rate of acceleration. You engine required far less fuel this way.

Potential Savings: Moderate to High

Speed vs. Wind Resistance

Driving 80mph on the highway uses 10%-20% more fuel than driving 70mph, and only saves you a few minutes for most trips. Driving 70mph on the highway uses 20%-30% more fuel than driving 55mph. It's not hard to see that the wind resistances increases substantially above 60mph. If you have time to get where you are going, move to the right, and simmer down in the slow lane, knowing that you're saving money and fuel the whole way.

Potential Savings: High

Shop Smarter

Avoid short trips to the store, or combine trips together (or car-pool to the mall) to avoid going out more than once. Shop in less-congested areas at times when there isn't a lot of traffic.

Potential Savings: Moderate

Commute Smarter

If you are a commuter, request to shift your work hours a few hours earlier to avoid the massive congestion at "rush hour" - depending on your conditions, you could save 10% just by driving during non-peak hours.

Start taking your lunch with you to work to avoid going out each day. Skipping the fast-food lunch will save you fuel, cost you much less in food, and probably slim your waistline too.

Potential Savings: Moderate to High

Kill The Engine

When stopped, some people go as far as turning the engine off while waiting in line at the drive-thru, or waiting for an extra long light.

Potential Savings: Minimal to Moderate

Over 45MPH? - Roll Windows UP...

It's best to keep your windows up if you are traveling at any substantial speed. Instead of rolling down your windows on the highway, crank up the AC on warm days, and pump in fresh outside air thru your vents on those nice cool days. (Air Conditioning generally uses less energy than what is lost when you have your windows down at high speed).

Don't worry - you can still roll them down to whistle at the pretty girl/guy when cruising around town.

Potential Savings: Moderate

Unload the Golf Clubs, Dumb-Bells, Extra Tools, etc...

Carrying extra weight around in the trunk (or in the back seat) will only slow you down. Every time you accelerate your car, your engine is working a little harder than it needs to, thanks to the extra weight.

Potential Savings: Minimal to Moderate

Friends Don't Let Friends Drive!

I saved the best for last... it's not really a way to improve fuel economy, rather it's an idea for slashing the amount of fuel you even need.

Share a Ride: If you live close to a co-worker (who you can stand to be with outside of the office), then seriously consider car-pooling, even if you haven't done it before. Like I said earlier, the scope of this upcoming crisis could be much bigger than anything we've experienced before - people are going to HAVE to change habits, so keep an open mind to the idea.

Learn the Train Schedule: You can look into public transportation options. Check if there is a bus service, van-pool service, or commuter train that would work with your schedule.

Work From Home: If you are lucky enough to have a job where it's possible that you telecommute, but you haven't tried it yet - talk to your boss about telecommuting one or two days a week.

Potential Savings: High