45 PROFESSIONAL TIPS TO CUT BIG GASOLINE BILLS

45 PROFESSIONAL TIPS TO CUT BIG GASOLINE BILLS

1. Before getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"!

2. On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.

3. Consider car-pooling and share the gas bill and ride.

4. Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and

bottlenecks.

5. Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in

one trip.

6. If possible, avoid driving during rush-hour & other peak traffic

periods.

7. When bargain hunting, check newspaper ads and use your

telephone.

8. Do they deliver? Let them pay for the gas! Try mail order firms,

too.

9. Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a week.

10. Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school, too.

11. Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling

alone.

12. Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to

carry.

13. Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.

14. Check to see if there are "self service" gas stations in your area.

15. Don't speed. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph then at

70 mph.

16. Better planning reduces the need for speeding, to get there in

time.

17. When starting your car, don't idle it for more than

30 seconds, even in cold weather. Today's cars are

designed to be driven almost immediately.

18. If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle

your car. The engine os more fuel efficient if your turn

it off and restart it.

19. Drive evenly with a steady foot. Avoid jiggling the accelerator.

20. Keep tires properly inflated at all times. (Check pressure when

cold).

21. Use air conditioning only when necessary. Try opening the

window.

22. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts. When starting, press accelerator slowly.

23. Avoid panic stops. When possible, coast to stops such as traffic

lights.

24. Remove items that cause wind resistance, such as luggage racks.

25. Don't forget to release the emergency brake before

pulling away.

26. Never rev engine before killing it. This wastes gas,

wears out cylinders.

27. Keep tuned to radio traffic reports & avoid traffic jams, other

delays.

28. Make certain your gas cap fits properly.

29. Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.

30. Use only your right foot for accelerating and

braking. That way you can't accidentally ride the brake

and use excessive gas.

31. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you

have automatic transmission, lift your foot from the

accelerator about one second early.

32. Pass other cars as soon as you see you are overtaking

them. Don't wait.

33. Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.

34. Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes

increases resistance.

35. Operate as small a car as possible for your driving

needs. (Small cars weighing half as much as large cars

use about half as much gasoline!)

36. Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air

conditioning; power equipment such as window, door locks,

etc.; automatic transmission, etc.

37. In hot climates, drive a car with light colored

exterior and interior, to reflect light, heat. Tinted

glass also prevents heat buildup.

38. Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.

39. When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!

40. Keep your steering wheel still too. The more you

weave back and forth, the farther your car has to travel

and the more gas is consumed.

41. Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill

in heat or on a hill.

42. Use snow tires and/or chains as little as necessary

because they make your car work harder and use more

gasoline.

43. When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you

reach it, then maintain your speed on the slope. (If you

must accelerate on the hill, you will use much more fuel).

Then coast down the other side.

44. Keep wheels aligned for better mileage. Longer tire life, too.

45. Record all gas purchases for tax deduction purposes.