Slow Down - You Move too Fast!
What if you could get 10% to 20% of your gasoline for free? You can, in essence . All you have to do is adjust your driving to increase your fuel efficiency. A few other things (see link under item 2) can save you even more.
Quiz: Does it save gas to turn off your A/C and drive with the windows down? (See below*)
1) Drive the optimum speed for your size vehicle while on the highway.The chart at the link below gives the mileage for different vehicle types at three speeds, but basically the best speed is 55 miles or so per hour.
Those of you who remember that speed limit during the1980's "gas crunch"
may remember that not only did we save millions, the injury/death rate from collisions dropped significantly. Tires and even road surfacing lasted longer as there was less wear and heating. If there were ever a time to go back to this, it is now. Just leave a little early and stay in the right lane until everyone else gets smart .
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question477.htm&url=http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/4116/Trip_Planning/speed.htm
2) On or off on the highway, maintain the smoothest speed possible. Remain a good distance from the car in front of you so you can reduce the number of accelerations and brakings you make. Rushing forward and slowing down for cars and stoplights is costly and increases your chances of an accident. Use your cruise control, if you have it, every chance you get.
Other hints for increasing your mileage and saving your other car-related expenses at the same time on this page,
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question477.htm&url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
3) Check out the best gas prices at http://www.northcarolinagasprices.com/.
Substitute your state in the address, if you are not in NC. Click on your city.
While I am talking about cars, I want to suggest some items that should be kept in your car at all times. I am on the road constantly and have been grateful for all these items at one time or another.
1. Tire puncture sealant. This one is a must! It has saved me twice late at night and works great. Be sure to tell the technicians you have used it when you take the tire in for repair, though. It can be flammable when they use machinery near it.
2. A gallon of water and some emergency granola or other bars. Replace
these once in a while.
3. Some cash, well hidden.
4. Flashlight. Replace batteries once in a while.
5. Jumper cables.
6. Tire gauge. Some of the built-in ones at gas stations do not work. As indicated
at the links above, the right tire pressure saves gas, reduces tire wear and is safer. Check your tires (spare, too) often.
7. Small tool kit: set of screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape
8. A full-sized lug wrench. Those that come with the car are often like a
toy, a difficult to use toy. (If you are ordering a new car, remember to ask for a full size spare tire and well. Those balloon tires aren't the best invention in the world.)
9. First aid kit.
10. Blanket or sheet and small tarp. I use an old shower curtain for the latter.
11. Poncho in a packet. Get these at dollar or other stores. Great if
you have to change a flat in the rain. Spare clothes and shoes
are nice, too.
12. Small fire extinguisher.
13. AAA membership. I had 2 flat tires last week and had them change both. I have used towing and other services and they give you free maps and discounts at all kinds of places. Great gift for someone you love, too.
* Only if in town. Highway driving creates a terrific drag with the windows open, using more energy than the A/C uses.
Take care of yourself and your car,
Gail Wiesner
ReMax United Realty
919-247-5183
Quiz: Does it save gas to turn off your A/C and drive with the windows down? (See below*)
1) Drive the optimum speed for your size vehicle while on the highway.The chart at the link below gives the mileage for different vehicle types at three speeds, but basically the best speed is 55 miles or so per hour.
Those of you who remember that speed limit during the1980's "gas crunch"
may remember that not only did we save millions, the injury/death rate from collisions dropped significantly. Tires and even road surfacing lasted longer as there was less wear and heating. If there were ever a time to go back to this, it is now. Just leave a little early and stay in the right lane until everyone else gets smart .
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question477.htm&url=http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/4116/Trip_Planning/speed.htm
2) On or off on the highway, maintain the smoothest speed possible. Remain a good distance from the car in front of you so you can reduce the number of accelerations and brakings you make. Rushing forward and slowing down for cars and stoplights is costly and increases your chances of an accident. Use your cruise control, if you have it, every chance you get.
Other hints for increasing your mileage and saving your other car-related expenses at the same time on this page,
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question477.htm&url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
3) Check out the best gas prices at http://www.northcarolinagasprices.com/.
Substitute your state in the address, if you are not in NC. Click on your city.
While I am talking about cars, I want to suggest some items that should be kept in your car at all times. I am on the road constantly and have been grateful for all these items at one time or another.
1. Tire puncture sealant. This one is a must! It has saved me twice late at night and works great. Be sure to tell the technicians you have used it when you take the tire in for repair, though. It can be flammable when they use machinery near it.
2. A gallon of water and some emergency granola or other bars. Replace
these once in a while.
3. Some cash, well hidden.
4. Flashlight. Replace batteries once in a while.
5. Jumper cables.
6. Tire gauge. Some of the built-in ones at gas stations do not work. As indicated
at the links above, the right tire pressure saves gas, reduces tire wear and is safer. Check your tires (spare, too) often.
7. Small tool kit: set of screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape
8. A full-sized lug wrench. Those that come with the car are often like a
toy, a difficult to use toy. (If you are ordering a new car, remember to ask for a full size spare tire and well. Those balloon tires aren't the best invention in the world.)
9. First aid kit.
10. Blanket or sheet and small tarp. I use an old shower curtain for the latter.
11. Poncho in a packet. Get these at dollar or other stores. Great if
you have to change a flat in the rain. Spare clothes and shoes
are nice, too.
12. Small fire extinguisher.
13. AAA membership. I had 2 flat tires last week and had them change both. I have used towing and other services and they give you free maps and discounts at all kinds of places. Great gift for someone you love, too.
* Only if in town. Highway driving creates a terrific drag with the windows open, using more energy than the A/C uses.
Take care of yourself and your car,
Gail Wiesner
ReMax United Realty
919-247-5183
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