Driving a car these days is like feeding a hungry monster. Every time you turn around it's time to buy more gas and the price is higher. Yet how much you pay for gas is not equal to the prices at the stations. A good deal of how much you are shelling out for gasoline has to do with several factors beyond price, such as your driving habits and the maintenance of your car, and these costs are under your control.
I am a save-gas-aholic, and obsessive as well. So, as gas prices began to rise, I began to adopt more gas-saving practices into my driving and compared the results. You will be amazed at much money you can save by changing your driving habits, and yes, you can change the way you drive if you are motivated. $3 a gallon motivated me, and we'll never see those days again. When fuel prices hit over $5 a gallon, perhaps more people will adopt some or all of these methods. Become obsessive about it and you will be glad you did.
Using the techniques below, I am able to get 34 miles per gallon on the open road in my 96 Nissan, while ignoring how I drive reduces that number significantly, to as low as 28 mph.
The number one rule is to slow down. The speed limits should be reduced in this country once again, but since they haven't been changed, it is left up to you as to how much money you want to waste. Sailing along at 80 miles an hour, a common sight on our nation's highways, is like setting fire to your dollar bills. Make it a rule to use your cruise control whenever possible, and set it to 60, no matter what the interstate speed signs say. Consistent and slower driving is elemental to saving gas. Stay in the right lane and don't concern yourself with others. If they need to pass they will, and if it takes them awhile just think of the gas you've kept them from using! If you find it difficult to slow down, really think about why you need to go fast and how much it costs you. As you practice slower driving, you will become accustomed to it and you will find it is a much more relaxing and safe way to circumvent the highways.
Don't speed drive to and from stops. As you take off, slowly accelerate to the speed you will drive. Always keep your foot on the accelerator the lightest touch possible, and watch to see how much you can let off the pedal without losing your desired speed. While going downhill, you can let off the accelerator completely to let your car move forward of it's own velocity. Take advantage of pedal-free-driving, not only downhill but when coming to stops. Anticipate stops ahead, remove your foot from the gas pedal and allow your car to slow itself as you approach the stop, again using the force of velocity instead of gas. (Treating the brake pedal in a similar fashion will reduce costs in that area as well).
Don't ever, ever leave your engine idling! No matter if you are at a bank, a drive through, talking with a friend, or waiting for the right to pass in areas of road construction, turn the engine off. It costs less to turn it on and off than it does to leave it idling, which burns gasoline very quickly.
Fill your gas tank as soon as it reaches the half-way mark. Doing so will prevent some of your gas from evaporating into thin air, as your money will be doing if you let it go to empty between fill-ups..
Keep all maintenance up to date. Have oil changes done every 3000 miles, and replace air filters as needed. Keep your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer's specifications. Generally the lower they your air pressure, the more gas you will use. Take advantage of additives and fuel injection/gas tank cleaners. Residue in your engine and it's components will lessen your gas mileage.
While it is true your air conditioning will use more gas on than off, it is not a good idea to turn it off and open the windows. The increased drag on the car will decrease your mileage. Keep the temperature as high as you can and use the economy saver option if your car has one. Another way to reduce drag is to keep your car waxed. This alone won't save you a lot, but every little thing you to increase your car's efficiency does add up.
Gain more control over how much gas you burn and you will not only buy less, you will also help to reduce demand and set an example for other drivers out there who aren't thinking of these cost effective techniques. Learn to drive efficiently, and you may find yourself making a game of it, as I do, to see how many miles per gallon you can get. Pay more attentions to your habits and the condition of your engine and you may find yourself with a few extra dollars for a great meal for yourself, instead of feeding your car.