How to BEAT Rising Gas Prices

Ok, we’ve been here before.  You’re drive steadily and carefully around town on a quarter tank of gas.  Your palms are sweaty (because A/C is known to drain gas) and your eyes are glued to the road.  Your pupils dilate as you scan the area, studying the prices of gas stations to find a reasonable destination.  A maraud of signs flood the road way with numbers that cause you to twitch in fear.  Of course, you’re driving the speed limit, or even a couple MPH below it, just so you can milk every last drop of the oil slowly evaporating in your gas tank.  As the price of gas slowly rises, we provide several options to help you get your money’s worth, at least most of the time, in this week’s blog. 

First and foremost, slow down.  Try to go as slow as the surrounding traffic.  Driving less than 60-65 MPH saves gas because air grows more dense (aerodynamically), the faster we drive.  The most efficient speed to travel is around 45 to 55 MPH to maintain a good RPM ratio.  Secondly, use A/C only on the highway (those in hot climates or extremely cold climates might not have a choice).  A/C is known to drain, on average,  8% of the fuel in your car.  Parking in the shade is important because gas can evaporate straight out of the tank.  Try to park in shaded areas, or park with the gas tanking facing away from direct sunlight.  Also, try taking off slowly from a full stop.  You can save substantial amounts of gas by pressing the gas slowly, instead of taking off from a stop light.    Plan your trips in advance! This prevents wasted time and energy.  Create shortcuts, utilize your GPS, or try to memorize the best routes.  Do not IDLE!  Idling is a waste (unless you’re at a red light, we do advise you to obey traffic laws…hehe) Park your vehicle and go into a restaurant rather than idling in the drive-thru.  It usually saves time, and definitely saves gas.  Do you have any tips for us?  Feel free to comment!  We could all use the help!