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Save 50 to 75 Cents a Gallon!

The price of gas really takes a chunk out of our wallets, and recently, an even bigger chunk. Would you be interested in saving 10%, 15% even 20% off your weekly spend at the pump? The following are some things you can do to reduce your fuel bill.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated – I know we have all heard this, but this is one of the most important things you can do to increase your miles per gallon (MPG). Underinflated tires create more friction with the road and increase rolling resistance, both robbing you of top mileage efficiency. The recommended air pressure is typically found on a sticker on a door frame or fuel door. It is especially important to check your air pressure when the weather turns cold. If you have your oil changed at a quick-change place, they typically fill your tires as a part of the oil change. Make sure they do and have them check your pressure during any free fluid tops offs as well.
Slow Down – This is another tip we have all heard, but possibly do not follow. Jack rabbit starts eat up more fuel than smooth, even acceleration. On the highway, where top fuel mileage can be obtained, higher speeds create more air drag, resulting in the use of more fuel. In most cases, your vehicle will get better mileage at 60 or 65 miles per hour than at 70 or 75 miles per hour.
Look Ahead – Pay attention to the traffic around you and stop lights. On your most common routes, you may be able to better time when lights turn green over time. Why drive at higher rates of speed just to sit longer at a stop light? Miles per gallon at a stop light is always ZERO! Keeping a safer distance from vehicles in front you may help minimize some breaking and re-acceleration, which also wastes fuel.
Glide and Coast – Some of the roads in our area are quite hilly. If you’re coming up to a down hill, think about lying off the gas sooner than normal. Many of us accelerate right up to the top of the hill just so we can put our foot on the brakes while we go down! We are wasting fuel and not taking advantage of gravity, which is free energy.
Be Prepared – The worst gas mileage you can get is when your car is running but not moving. Minimize idling and “zero miles to the gallon” performance by buckling up, adjusting the mirrors, etc. before starting your car.
Go Far First – A cold engine gets the worst gas mileage, especially in the winter. If you are going to stop at multiple places in a single trip, consider going to the place farthest away first. This longer first trip will give your car a chance to warm up better than multiple short trips.

I know first hand that these tips do work. About a year ago, I started practicing these driving habits and better monitored my car’s tires. I increased my gas mileage by about 12%. I was not really an aggressive driver to start with. If I was, there is no doubt that my mileage would have improved even more. I estimate that I saved almost 60 gallons of gas these past 12 months, which not only saved me money, but also reduced my vehicle emissions as well. Drive safe!

Jack Kamoske Stewardship

Save 50 to 75 Cents a Gallon!

Keep Tires Properly Inflated – I know we have all heard this, but this is one of the most important things you can do to increase your miles per gallon (MPG). Underinflated tires create more friction with the road and increase rolling resistance, both robbing you of top mileage efficiency. The recommended air pressure is typically found on a sticker on a door frame or fuel door. It is especially important to check your air pressure when the weather turns cold. If you have your oil changed at a quick-change place, they typically fill your tires as a part of the oil change. Make sure they do and have them check your pressure during any free fluid tops offs as well.
Slow Down – This is another tip we have all heard, but possibly do not follow. Jack rabbit starts eat up more fuel than smooth, even acceleration. On the highway, where top fuel mileage can be obtained, higher speeds create more air drag, resulting in the use of more fuel. In most cases, your vehicle will get better mileage at 60 or 65 miles per hour than at 70 or 75 miles per hour.
Look Ahead – Pay attention to the traffic around you and stop lights. On your most common routes, you may be able to better time when lights turn green over time. Why drive at higher rates of speed just to sit longer at a stop light? Miles per gallon at a stop light is always ZERO! Keeping a safer distance from vehicles in front you may help minimize some breaking and re-acceleration, which also wastes fuel.
Glide and Coast – Some of the roads in our area are quite hilly. If you’re coming up to a down hill, think about lying off the gas sooner than normal. Many of us accelerate right up to the top of the hill just so we can put our foot on the brakes while we go down! We are wasting fuel and not taking advantage of gravity, which is free energy.
Be Prepared – The worst gas mileage you can get is when your car is running but not moving. Minimize idling and “zero miles to the gallon” performance by buckling up, adjusting the mirrors, etc. before starting your car.
Go Far First – A cold engine gets the worst gas mileage, especially in the winter. If you are going to stop at multiple places in a single trip, consider going to the place farthest away first. This longer first trip will give your car a chance to warm up better than multiple short trips.

Jack Kamoske Stewardship