Give high fuel costs the cold shoulder
(MS) — According to Smart Money magazine, fuel prices are anticipated to rise by 35 percent this year so Americans are looking for ways to save money and reduce their energy consumption. If you can't live without driving your car, and heading to a warmer climate for the cold months isn't an option, try cutting back your energy costs with these suggestions from Brian Earley, a fuel and automotive operations expert.
Don't be a gas guzzler. Driving more sensibly can help you conserve gas during this time of high prices. Aggressive driving, such as speeding and rapid acceleration and braking wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent when driving at highway speeds and by 5 percent when cruising around town. In fact, this 5 to 33 percent is equivalent to gasoline savings of 7 cents to 49 cents a gallon. Observing the speed limit can also help. Gas mileage decreases quickly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional 10 cents per gallon. Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain a constant speed that can help you save gas. Also, if you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, your best bet is to shut off the car.
Time for a tuneup. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, which is equivalent to nearly 15 percent a gallon in gasoline savings. A car's air filter keeps impurities from harming the inside of the engine. Also, keep an eye on the tires. By keeping tires inflated at their proper pressure you can improve gas mileage about 3 percent, saving you 5 cents a gallon.
Cruise for one-stop shopping. While you want to keep your eyes open for low fuel prices, don't waste gas driving to a gas station several miles away. Consolidate trips and errands you need to make to cut down on the driving time. By following these frugal tips, you should be able to get around town and stay warm this winter without burning a hole in your wallet.
