Walking, Biking or the bus isn't an option for most of us who don't live and work in the city. The thriving metropolis of Harwinton doesn't offer subways. Inflation isn't something people have paid much attention to in the past few decades. You'd have to be living in a vacuum not to notice the mind boggling pace of inflation on gasoline lately. (Gouging, yes)
Here are a few ideas on how to save a few bucks on gasoline:
- Keep the lead out of your foot. Statistics say that if you drive aggressively you can lower fuel economy by 33% on the highway and 5% around town. (I must be getting about 3 mpg with the way I drive)
- Tune up your car. A poorly tuned car consumes 4% more fuel than a well tuned one.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure is a drag on fuel economy.
- Use the correct oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Get the junk out of your trunk. I've got a neighbor who carries no less than 500lbs of catalogs in his trunk. It takes much more fuel to haul around that extra weight and it kills the suspension.
- Don't buy high test unless required by the manufacturer. Use the recommended octane for your vehicle.
- Use cruise control if your vehicle is equipped.
- Don't idle if you are sitting around for a long period of time. Don't keep the car running just to keep it cool in the months to come.
- Combine trips to work, grocery and errands to avoid unnecessary travel.
- If you own more than one vehicle, use the one that has better fuel economy. The Excursion (When painted yellow I often mistake them for school busses) should never be used over the Prius unless you are taking the whole gang.
Walking, Biking or the bus isn't an option for most of us who don't live and work in the city. The thriving metropolis of Harwinton doesn't offer subways. Inflation isn't something people have paid much attention to in the past few decades. You'd have to be living in a vacuum not to notice the mind boggling pace of inflation on gasoline lately. (Gouging, yes)
