Energy Tips - Vehicles

The cost of gas is going up, up, up with no end in sight. Everyone wants to know the best way to save on fuel, and cut their monthly fuel cost. Here’s the number one tip:

Slow Down!

Speeding, rapid acceleration, and rapid braking all waste gas and cut down your mileage potential by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Cut out all of the sudden, jack-rabbit starts. Instead, use slow acceleration whenever possible.

 Keep in mind that speeding wastes gas and money. Each mile per hour you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 10 cents per gallon, according to DOE.

Entire websites have been devoted to seeing how many miles per gallon a person can get from their car without making any engine modifications. Basically, the rules include making only right hand turns (to decrease idling time) and keeping your foot off the accelerator as much as possible. Use your cruise control to maintain a constant speed, and when you know that you are going to have to stop – traffic light up ahead – lift your foot off the accelerator (or turn off the cruise) so that your car comes to a stop on its own, or slows enough to turn that corner safely.