GasBuddy News Article

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How to save on transportation costs

Miami Herald -- Driving the speed limit can increase fuel efficiency by 7 percent to 23 percent. Figure it costs 20 cents a gallon for every five miles over the speed limit, the government says. • Unload your trunk. You can lose 2 percent in miles-per-gallon by carrying around 100 extra pounds of stuff. Keep your car properly maintained by replacing air filters and keeping tires inflated to the appropriate pressure. • Use cruise control on the highway. • Braking and accelerating slowly can improve fuel economy by 5 percent to 33 percent. • Carpool to halve weekly gas expenses or use public transportation.

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Submitted Dec 09, 2007 By: JT

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gasie1 Champion Author Maine Posts:3,910 Points:1,288,895 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 5:41:29 PM Ignore gasie1 Report Abuse All great things to know.
masonco Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,532 Points:774,020 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 5:17:05 PM Ignore masonco Report Abuse I can not get the link to work. senileoldman: It is a known fact that city stop and go driving uses a lot more gas that driving steady speeds regardless of what speed you are driving. That is why they give you one MPG for city driving and higher mileage for "highway driving" usually recorded at a steady 55 MPH. Most have posted ways to improve mileage. I seen other sites that give mileage tips too, but the biggest things are to slow down, avoid jack rabbit starts and just drive less.
homerj281 Champion Author Toledo Posts:2,370 Points:240,240 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 5:10:00 PM Ignore homerj281 Report Abuse Loose weight also. Carrying around extra fat can decrease your gas mileage.
patbob56 Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:2,890 Points:588,385 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:58:58 PM Ignore patbob56 Report Abuse yea keep your speed down
Bear_Johnson Champion Author London Posts:1,363 Points:468,560 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:53:18 PM Ignore Bear_Johnson Report Abuse Its more enjoyable to travel the secondary highways which are also slower so you arrive at your destination more relaxed and with more gas in your tank
cudatim Champion Author San Antonio Posts:1,330 Points:599,385 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:49:59 PM Ignore cudatim Report Abuse I've found that keeping my tires 2-4 lbs above the recommended pressure helps improve gas mileage also. The recommended setting is so you have a softer ride but lower gas mileage.
gas1prospector Champion Author Toronto Posts:2,108 Points:450,095 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:34:20 PM Ignore gas1prospector Report Abuse Bm4225 and others, every vehicle has an optimal cruise speed. This is the point where your engine attains the best running mileage under normal driving conditions. Even though this can only be attained during highway travel it should be posted on the vehicle at the time of purchase. The government should request manufacturers post this, so we can compare apples with apples; and by following this guideline whenever possible, we can save enormous amounts of fuel.
snewwee Champion Author Detroit Posts:3,600 Points:740,880 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:31:40 PM Ignore snewwee Report Abuse Nothing saves gas better than my bicycle but with the weather outside being around 27 it only increases my cost in my medical bill.
teacherdave Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,936 Points:501,605 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:30:01 PM Ignore teacherdave Report Abuse Speeding tickets ought to have a sliding scale based on the basic mileage of the of the offending vehicle. Go fast in a Hummer and the ticket costs more than the same speed in a Prius.
SenileOldMan Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,478 Points:936,715 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:25:43 PM Ignore SenileOldMan Report Abuse This is "them" telling "us" how to run our lives. 2 weeks ago I drove out of town and travelled 8 to 12 MPH over the posted speed limit along with everyone else and my gas mileage went UP from 24 around town to 28 on the interstate. (thumbs nose at "them". Raspberries...)
panama303 Sophomore Author Denver Posts:125 Points:102,620 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:17:06 PM Ignore panama303 Report Abuse just use common sense. learn to slow down and appreciate the drive.
HEFMARK Champion Author Arkansas Posts:2,983 Points:614,675 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:13:21 PM Ignore HEFMARK Report Abuse this is true......lighten the load of your vehicle some by taking old junk out of the storage areas.....even if you drive fast on the interstates try to run with the even flow not accelerating to change lanes all the time...
WestsideGuyIN All-Star Author Indiana Posts:875 Points:187,645 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:12:24 PM Ignore WestsideGuyIN Report Abuse What if the speed limit is 80? What if it's 15? This is rediculous and not worth a read. The goal should be to lighten your load and drive less than 2000 RPM. The lower the RPM, the better.
DirtDigger1 Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,690 Points:778,870 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:11:34 PM Ignore DirtDigger1 Report Abuse I have things to do and places to go I am not going to drive 55 on the thruways no way. Improve fuel mileage not slow down.
PenDoctrJD Champion Author Orange County Posts:5,267 Points:1,737,315 Joined:Aug 2001	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 4:00:49 PM Ignore PenDoctrJD Report Abuse Reduce enough and "they'll" be paying you to drive!
Uncle Jim Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:14 Points:80,880 Joined:Dec 2002	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:57:21 PM Ignore Uncle Jim Report Abuse A whole generation grew up when the speed limit was 55 which no one obeyed. Therefore the children saw that their parents did not obey the law. That is why so many do not obey any motoring laws. Any return to 55 would just aggravate the problem.
RaceGrrl Veteran Author Kansas City Posts:400 Points:119,950 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:54:01 PM Ignore RaceGrrl Report Abuse Stop "JackRabbit" stops and starts. I can't believe the people I see that speed up just to stop at a light. Way too expensive to do in these times.
Lovelee Champion Author Detroit Posts:12,379 Points:804,725 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:48:47 PM Ignore Lovelee Report Abuse Cruise Control really helps my milage. Even on some surface streets.
jjdm Champion Author Indiana Posts:5,801 Points:760,580 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:48:30 PM Ignore jjdm Report Abuse These seem like good ideas, i am going to try them.
srcrls Champion Author Utah Posts:2,293 Points:463,985 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:36:53 PM Ignore srcrls Report Abuse I like hearing this a lot better than the advise of getting rid of your big, safe comfortable (gas guzzling) cars and trade them in for a tin can on wheels...
cardjcsk Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,852 Points:770,255 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:34:23 PM Ignore cardjcsk Report Abuse All great ideas
dslxcur Champion Author Seattle Posts:1,062 Points:554,745 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:30:35 PM Ignore dslxcur Report Abuse This failed to mention Wheel Alignment. Going down road with wheels toe in / out & or steer angle. That would be a drag. Literally, ruin in short time. How bout Telecommute ....best of all savings..... you don't have to drive at all! LOL
dwgt.net Champion Author Nevada Posts:10,156 Points:1,773,385 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:18:31 PM Ignore dwgt.net Report Abuse Public transit is the best deal here.
inveSTigatorTX Champion Author Austin Posts:3,009 Points:583,350 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:10:19 PM Ignore inveSTigatorTX Report Abuse VVV Whatever!
janmj All-Star Author Baltimore Posts:948 Points:778,880 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 3:09:50 PM Ignore janmj Report Abuse I am doing EVERYTHING I can to save money on gas, I should go back to hitchhiking!
BMRR All-Star Author Maine Posts:547 Points:516,705 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:59:59 PM Ignore BMRR Report Abuse I wonder how many of us here remember the public service announcements from the gov't in the late '70s that went something like this: "55 MPH: saves time, saves money, saves lives" It's as true today as it was back then! [Edited by: BMRR at 12/9/2007 4:00:38 PM EST]
Bodean01 All-Star Author Missouri Posts:753 Points:310,900 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:59:57 PM Ignore Bodean01 Report Abuse Public transportation only works if you in or near a city. And sometimes a person can't carpool either because of schedules or personalities. But, other than that I can agree or already know about some of this information that this article has in it.
Mr.Dirt Champion Author Albany Posts:3,689 Points:1,562,725 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:55:25 PM Ignore Mr.Dirt Report Abuse i get about the same milage all time fast or slow
STEVE853 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,547 Points:374,585 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:47:12 PM Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse Try Driving the Speed Limit On I-95 In Fla. They will run over You.
frugalone07 Rookie Author Virginia Posts:2 Points:1,315 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:37:58 PM Ignore frugalone07 Report Abuse The highway speed limit says 55. I dare not drive over 65 for fear of breaking the law but I have to keep up with all the cars speeding by over 70 and I rarely see police cars pulling them over.
McNasties Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:3,920 Points:749,625 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:24:51 PM Ignore McNasties Report Abuse There are only a handful of us in USA that drive the speed limit.
wendy4 All-Star Author Jackson Posts:867 Points:444,400 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:17:08 PM Ignore wendy4 Report Abuse Great Information for someone who doesn't already know this.
tags610 Champion Author Lincoln Posts:4,201 Points:874,890 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:13:54 PM Ignore tags610 Report Abuse This is good for people to hear.
Cuzilla Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:7,461 Points:1,303,325 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 2:12:57 PM Ignore Cuzilla Report Abuse Good advice for all!
Jim R. Champion Author Florida Posts:3,738 Points:1,438,220 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:53:42 PM Ignore Jim R. Report Abuse It would make a big difference if everyone followed these suggestions.
OddyEd Veteran Author Ontario Posts:268 Points:461,995 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:52:54 PM Ignore OddyEd Report Abuse I really have no choice but to keep to the speed limit. My "bitter"-half who is the worst back-seat driver you have ever seen, makes sure I do.
SBlouch Champion Author San Antonio Posts:3,568 Points:784,745 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:51:28 PM Ignore SBlouch Report Abuse We have gotten that info before and even on this site. Most drivers still don't get it. There is still a lot of speeding, cars older than 1992, foot to the peddle like starts at the red light, Slamming on the brakes at a red stop light (or just driving though it), not keeping their cars maintained, etc. People only do what they want to do, NOT what they should do. The car to many is freedom. Freedom to act like a fool on the highway.
JeffNStef Veteran Author Montana Posts:251 Points:587,015 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:44:06 PM Ignore JeffNStef Report Abuse These are not new ideas. I already do these. The fuel conservatives want something they are not already doing? Anything NEW? What do we know about those additives- some of which are advertised on GasBuddy? I'd like to hear from someone who has tried them. Please e-mail me through GasBuddy.
sportfury Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:13,067 Points:1,525,180 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:35:06 PM Ignore sportfury Report Abuse Growing up, it was fun to drive. These measures are no fun, but we have no choice.
Jeepney4106 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,726 Points:1,122,360 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:33:25 PM Ignore Jeepney4106 Report Abuse Ah, all these great ideas
Bil5757 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:5 Points:39,460 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:28:08 PM Ignore Bil5757 Report Abuse Sorry, Xeno, but my Yukon isn't going anywhere! It's comfortable; it's safe; and it takes me where I want to go, while carrying all my gear. I'm all in favor of alternative fuels, but I'm a big guy, and I love playing way out in the woods and mountains. Hummers are overkill, I'll agree, but my Yukon is perfect for what I do, and a driver my size. I don't care if it runs on alcohol or hydrogen or the methane from a cow's butt; but its going to keep running - no matter what! And the arguments I hear from people who 'feel unsafe' in their Hondas and Toyotas and other little cars fall on deaf ears here. I'm an excellent driver, and have never hit anyone in 40-plus years of driving. I'm not here to coddle to someone else's feelings because they don't feel safe in their small car - I wouldn't feel safe in one of those things either! Another reason to drive an SUV, as far as I'm concerned. If you're one of those who feels somehow unsafe, buy a safe vehicle; don't expect me to compromise my comfort or needs or safety by coming down to your level, and buying something unsafe as well!
gr8oakOH Champion Author Akron Posts:1,912 Points:502,165 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:21:56 PM Ignore gr8oakOH Report Abuse i drive about 100,000 miles a year & can not drive the speed limit, due to my time on the road. if i were to drive that slow, it would increase my delivery costs because of amount of time on the road. as it is now, i drive around 8-10 miles over the speed limit on the interstates bob
Cheepo Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,777 Points:1,923,740 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:21:37 PM Ignore Cheepo Report Abuse Car pooling does not help me, I am retired. Just drill here..
93probeguy All-Star Author Little Rock Posts:803 Points:237,900 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:20:41 PM Ignore 93probeguy Report Abuse be nice to have a job down the road from our houses. I think they should also move quicker on hydro cars.
HighFive01 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,952 Points:357,290 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:19:02 PM Ignore HighFive01 Report Abuse s6sputnik - Re: "If they would just time the lights better here, then I would not not be stopping and starting so much" Many communities time their lights to co-ordinate with a set speed limit. If you are going faster (as is usually the case) or even slower than the posted speed, you will get every red light instead. Note - That doesn't mean you're supposed to double the limit ;) .. That wouldn't be too safe. If your community hasn't synchronized their lights on the major thoroughfares, it may be an idea to bring it up at a council meeting or to write your representative. It certainly couldn't hurt.
a_perfect10 Champion Author Utah Posts:3,853 Points:734,385 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:15:12 PM Ignore a_perfect10 Report Abuse We need - we must - get away from gasoline as a fuel source. let's get cracking on hydrogen fuel as the only fuel produced in the U.S. Iceland has been doing this for a few years now. They no longer have a single cumbustion engine in their country. It is working really well. And especially now that technology has enabled hydrogen to be made at the pump, this is a very viable means of fuel for us. We need to get senators and a President in who is not being bought by big oil to pass laws requiring car manufacturers to step it up when it comes to research and development of new engines and fuel efficient alternatives. Enough already! The American population needs to speak up and stop complaining. Nothing will change if you don't speak out and take action.
Xeno63 All-Star Author Minnesota Posts:582 Points:126,840 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 1:01:01 PM Ignore Xeno63 Report Abuse Get rid of the Hummers, Yukons, and all the gas guzzlers.
johnrb Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,641 Points:835,600 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 12:42:32 PM Ignore johnrb Report Abuse Agree with this article, doing this saves me about 2 mpg
EarlyMoose Champion Author Seattle Posts:2,163 Points:764,850 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 12:42:06 PM Ignore EarlyMoose Report Abuse Walk more, Drive less.
DeHavilland Champion Author Toronto Posts:3,214 Points:764,445 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 12:41:56 PM Ignore DeHavilland Report Abuse At transport school they teach that 90 km/h (55 mph), is the most efficient speed for either gas or diesel motors. Anything above and you lose because of higher motor revs, and below too because you're gearing down thus causing the motor to rev higher also.
BM4225 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:4,007 Points:894,615 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2007 12:40:27 PM Ignore BM4225 Report Abuse I have done all of the above, except car pooling, and I have increased the air in my tires a little above what was recommended before going on a lone trip, 300 one way is a long trip for me today. Results, GM says my car is suppose to get 20 mpg city, and 30 mpg highway. I averaged 74.9 MPH, and got 29.2 MPG. I have taken shorter trips in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I can't use the speed control, for my little six won't hold the gear, it downshifts, and try and maintain 65 MPH, and get around 27 MPG. Go figure.