by Ron Erb

Created on: July 11, 2008

Save dollars on gasoline with greener driving habits without spending a dime! Cheap gas spoiled us, but changing how we drive the cars we have can save real cash and carbon dioxide emissions.

1. Go easy between stoplights. Hitting the gas hard when the light changes may actually slow you down! Many cities are installing systems that time traffic lights so that if you accelerate smoothly and travel the speed limit, you will hit the most the green lights. Everybody gets there quicker and uses less gas and pollutes less. Fast acceleration uses much more fuel, is generally hard on the vehicle and burns up brakes sooner when you have to stop. Think of it as wasting energy every time you brake.

2. Don't use reverse so much. While that seems silly at first, it makes sense. You're going in the opposite direction of your destination! When you park the car, if you can pull through to the next row, you can go forward when you leave.

4. Remember speed limits? Although people may look at you funny as they whiz by, you'll save big on the highway. Some trucking companies have slowed their drivers down. Just keep a safe distance behind one and you're set.

5. OK, this one takes some real action. Buy a good tire gauge and keep your tires inflated properly. The stiffer you have them, up to the tire's limit, the better mileage you'll get. ( The car will ride a bit rougher, but tires will last much longer. )

6. Turn the engine off when you aren't moving. At the drive-through bank, fast food joint, letting the kids out, wherever. Just a couple minutes is worth it. If you car doesn't start fast enough, that's an early warning and you should get it checked.

7. Car pool

8. Think before you leave the house. Is this really a necessary trip? If it is, take a minute to plan your route and consider other errands you can do along the way. Can you plan the trip at a time when traffic is light?

9. PickUpPal http://www.pickuppal.com/pup/intro.html is just one on-line venture to make travel more efficient.

10. When it is time for a new vehicle, consider having two smaller ones. In the long run it is better to occasionally drive two vehicles to get the whole family there than to have one big gas guzzler with one person in it most of the time.

For much more info on "hypermiling" try - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermiler

As I write this, gas prices seem to be easing a little. I saw a sign near my house at $4.19 for regular unleaded. If prices do go down, many people will think the crisis is over and return to their bad habits. Let's make the best of this recent recurring panic. Keep the pressure on the car makers and our leaders to improve gas mileage and develop alternative energy sources. Only the people can make it happen!

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