How to save on transportation costs

Category: Daily News Article Discussions > Topics		Add to favorite topics Post New Topic
Rate this topic: Low 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 High Avg rating: 5.0 (1 votes)

Author	Topic: How to save on transportation costs	Post a Reply Back to Topics

JT Moderator	Message Posted: 12/9/2007 8:20:43 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Sunday, December 09, 2007 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. Visit Miami Herald for full article

REPLIES (newest first)

First

Next Last

the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,194 Points:492,830 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: 12/12/2007 8:24:26 AM	Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse
	Good advice. In my case, I've altered my driving habits notably such as never accelerating rapidly from a standing stop and it does help.
design_guy06 Champion Author Ontario Posts:4,282 Points:840,275 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 6:34:54 PM	Ignore design_guy06 Report Abuse
	Car pool, and drive by the speed limit. I always find that it saves you a bit on gas since it works for me.
Egor Champion Author Regina Posts:1,516 Points:610,465 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 9:08:40 AM	Ignore Egor Report Abuse
	All of this is called driving sensibly. I have been doing this for years (because it is the right thing to do, not to save money). So, now, how about some options for those of use who are already sensible.
don985 Champion Author Denver Posts:1,986 Points:761,190 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 9:03:13 AM	Ignore don985 Report Abuse
	Drive less, use public transportation, buy smaller cars.
jck667 Sophomore Author Connecticut Posts:184 Points:295,055 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:58:34 AM	Ignore jck667 Report Abuse
	If you google "hypermiler" you will find that a couple of these recommendations are not correct, specifically using cruise control (especially in hilly areas) and accelerating slowly (you should accelerate under high load/low rpm to cruising speed). I try to keep my car in 5th gear as much as possible (>35 mph) and drive 55-60 on the highway. It has gotten me around +5 mpg compared to when I was driving 70 mph and I get to work five minutes later. "your mileage may vary"
shuck5 Veteran Author Denver Posts:299 Points:50,730 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:53:05 AM	Ignore shuck5 Report Abuse
	i remember when i was a kid in the early 70's and we were "running" out of gas then, stop the scare tactics and become a government for the people!
gotoneros Champion Author Syracuse Posts:2,290 Points:461,000 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:52:50 AM	Ignore gotoneros Report Abuse
	Yeah I'll just WALK 40 miles to work.
radcaz Champion Author Houston Posts:3,391 Points:990,475 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:51:36 AM	Ignore radcaz Report Abuse
	want to save? try walking...
SpruceGuse2 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,952 Points:907,755 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:46:07 AM	Ignore SpruceGuse2 Report Abuse
	Does any body read these Posts besides us that can't do anything about these situations but vent?
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:8,914 Points:1,363,755 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:39:01 AM	Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse
	They're right, all these things help vis a vis mileage. Sometimes dealers underinflate the tires in order to give the car a slightly softer ride. It also handles better in rain or snow as theoretically there's more tread contacting the road.
flatcoatfun All-Star Author Orlando Posts:680 Points:209,180 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:38:27 AM	Ignore flatcoatfun Report Abuse
	Yea I was trying to tell this to my hubby yesterday as he was speeding 20 over the limit - he didn't listen - so I just sent him this article.
mkroehler Sophomore Author Jacksonville Posts:151 Points:154,805 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:35:49 AM	Ignore mkroehler Report Abuse
	Unload youre trunk? Spare tire, jumper cables, jack, small tool kit, small first aid kit, small blanket. Okay. Trunk is empty. Hope I don't break down...
mjs9171 Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,632 Points:396,680 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:32:33 AM	Ignore mjs9171 Report Abuse
	Yesterday I walked to the grocery store to get a few groceries because it was icey out. Not only did it save gas but it was nice to get a walk. People looked at me like I was crazy. More people should try it.
JPGKC Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,396 Points:615,425 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:24:19 AM	Ignore JPGKC Report Abuse
	I wish I could car pool.
cjs1 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:50 Points:664,925 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:22:48 AM	Ignore cjs1 Report Abuse
	I agree with people who say carpool. I would love to, but the response is that gas isn't high enough yet to give up one's freedom. I have driven 55 mph and there is a difference of about 3 miles per gallon better. I just let those who drive faster pass by.
DWNASH All-Star Author Indiana Posts:512 Points:346,760 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:20:04 AM	Ignore DWNASH Report Abuse
	The amish got it figured out. keep it simple.
DST43 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:2,585 Points:438,480 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:16:03 AM	Ignore DST43 Report Abuse
	My trunk is empty because, I can't afford to buy anything to put in it. I drive the speed limits because I can't afford to pay a speeding tickets. Let me see shat else can I do to help conserve fuel. stop going to work that want help me out any. Maybe stop shopping which want help the economic out a whole lot...
tarbaby1 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,381 Points:804,620 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:13:20 AM	Ignore tarbaby1 Report Abuse
	We can be thankful we still have the freedom to choose...
Jayhorn All-Star Author Fort Worth Posts:707 Points:666,395 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:12:33 AM	Ignore Jayhorn Report Abuse
	I was hoping the full article explained this statement, but it doesn't. "It costs 20 cents a gallon for every five miles over the speed limit, the government says." The cost of a gallon of gas doesn't change based on the speed you drive. Does anybody know what the real statistic is that they are trying to quote here? (and doing it quite poorly I might add.)
bicycler Champion Author Ontario Posts:6,504 Points:1,164,995 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:10:22 AM	Ignore bicycler Report Abuse
	Jeepney; Normally I do but there is too much ice on the road now and I can see me sliding under the wheel of some pickup and if you ever see the underside of one of those, as I have, you will understand what I mean!!!!
mohawkhudson Rookie Author Albany Posts:73 Points:461,560 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:09:30 AM	Ignore mohawkhudson Report Abuse
	It is hard to drive near the speed limit when everyone around is going 15 mph or more above the limit. Also, every time I get an oil change, I find that my tires are set to be under inflated. This is something that needs to change at all shops and dealerships.
FieroGT Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,384 Points:1,131,295 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:06:36 AM	Ignore FieroGT Report Abuse
	Use public transportation is fine. But I have a real problem when they say build new light rail. The proposed new 10 mile line between St. Paul and Minneapolis is estimated will cost more than $1 billion and growing. That will put a lot of gas in my tank.
Jeepney4106 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,285 Points:841,320 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:03:56 AM	Ignore Jeepney4106 Report Abuse
	Use a bicycle.
lleddirj Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,045 Points:607,230 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:01:11 AM	Ignore lleddirj Report Abuse
	The only way is to get our legislators to encourage mass transit at all levels.
papou Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,769 Points:540,580 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 8:00:50 AM	Ignore papou Report Abuse
	For the uneducated if you cannot contribute something worthwhile be silent. Check your car for tire inflation, remove excess weight from car, have a tune up regularly change air filter regularly. I was amazed at the cost for driving over the speed limit. We tried going five miles over and noticed better mileage than going ten or more over the limit.
Tonester1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,270 Points:778,840 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:59:42 AM	Ignore Tonester1 Report Abuse
	Carpool and mass transportation would be the key.
The_WB Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,963 Points:526,475 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:59:31 AM	Ignore The_WB Report Abuse
	Save cost - stop driving
bug27 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:2,205 Points:1,220,925 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:57:52 AM	Ignore bug27 Report Abuse
	Fewer SUVs, vans and pickups would save a lot. Buy a more fuel efficient car.
Litt211 Sophomore Author St. Louis Posts:242 Points:641,720 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:57:02 AM	Ignore Litt211 Report Abuse
	CARPOOL
CTDPower Veteran Author Virginia Beach Posts:488 Points:177,575 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:55:45 AM	Ignore CTDPower Report Abuse
	With colder weather upon us...check your tire pressures. Every other vehicle I see has tires that are noticeably low. This hurts fuel mileage significantly.
iseelowprice Veteran Author New York Posts:337 Points:165,035 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:53:49 AM	Ignore iseelowprice Report Abuse
	The problem is who will keep the speed limit? I have tried it, but it ain't work. People behind you will tailgate you until you change lane or drive faster. That makes driving too dangerous. If we have highway patrols that enforce the speed limit law, then it will work! Otherwise, forget it.
gw22204 All-Star Author Virginia Posts:804 Points:264,425 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:46:48 AM	Ignore gw22204 Report Abuse
	hit the lottery
rvnvet70 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,968 Points:1,034,695 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:45:13 AM	Ignore rvnvet70 Report Abuse
	Buy a moped. Better yet, get a human powered bicycle.
93Stealth All-Star Author Detroit Posts:595 Points:301,100 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:45:00 AM	Ignore 93Stealth Report Abuse
	I have cut back my speed, on highway 60mph-65mph and on country roads 45mph-50mph. Tailgaters galore, so close they almost hit me....why can't people just pass me? You know you don't want to go my speed...
mwhals Champion Author Charleston Posts:5,106 Points:868,365 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:42:32 AM	Ignore mwhals Report Abuse
	I have told people that speeding increases their fuel costs and no one seems to believe me. If people would quit speeding, their fuel efficiency would increase some, which adds up over time. People should be able to go the speed limit without getting run over by the speeders. Where is law enforcement???
PapaSmurf5 Veteran Author Atlanta Posts:317 Points:216,225 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:38:10 AM	Ignore PapaSmurf5 Report Abuse
	in atlanta, doing 55 on an interstate causes a hazard!
bbreff Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,295 Points:1,068,865 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:36:08 AM	Ignore bbreff Report Abuse
	One way is to stop SPEEDING.
LOMO4 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:46 Points:174,680 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:30:46 AM	Ignore LOMO4 Report Abuse
	Don't live 50 miles from work and complain about gas prices... Don't drive like you're in a race and complain about gas prices...
GASMAN632 All-Star Author New York Posts:822 Points:646,060 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:29:41 AM	Ignore GASMAN632 Report Abuse
	Stay home or walk!!!!!!
Prius_MN All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:879 Points:509,705 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:26:26 AM	Ignore Prius_MN Report Abuse
	Public transportation!!
Gassie1 Champion Author Akron Posts:4,652 Points:612,340 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:24:11 AM	Ignore Gassie1 Report Abuse
	Bum a ride!
ky_commuter75 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,132 Points:693,725 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:23:49 AM	Ignore ky_commuter75 Report Abuse
	hence the reason of 55 mph. They raise the speed limit and we are spending more on gas.
StevieB All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:745 Points:909,590 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:18:22 AM	Ignore StevieB Report Abuse
	I totally agree...
ARCO Rookie Author Pittsburgh Posts:21 Points:1,002,770 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:18:14 AM	Ignore ARCO Report Abuse
	OVER AND OVER AND OVER!
Road_Fever Champion Author West Virginia Posts:4,685 Points:839,790 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:12:47 AM	Ignore Road_Fever Report Abuse
	I guess maybe the story needs retold.
winggnutt Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,990 Points:1,154,530 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:06:36 AM	Ignore winggnutt Report Abuse
	duh!
1fuelish1 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:7,398 Points:558,955 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 7:03:17 AM	Ignore 1fuelish1 Report Abuse
	On certain tracks, NASCAR drivers press the accelerator gently, like there are eggs underneath it which they are trying not to break. This is how I drive nearly all the time. I get very good mileage. [Edited by: 1fuelish1 at 12/10/2007 8:04:12 AM EST]
cliffynosleep Champion Author Missouri Posts:4,855 Points:938,305 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 6:54:36 AM	Ignore cliffynosleep Report Abuse
	people poking through green lights cause much more gas wastage. This causes people to have to sit through 2 or three green light cycles just to get through one traffic signal. Imagine going through 10 to 15 signals this way. You have wasted over a gallon of gasoline. GET IT MOVING PEOPLE THE REST OF US WANT TO GO TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hartman Veteran Author Lansing Posts:441 Points:193,805 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 6:53:38 AM	Ignore hartman Report Abuse
	easier said then done
randallxski Sophomore Author Rochester Posts:163 Points:337,105 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 12/10/2007 6:48:46 AM	Ignore randallxski Report Abuse
	Telecommute! I know that isn't an option for everyone. Maybe that should be an upcoming poll or poll series: is it possible in your job; your company; how many times a week/month/year....

Post a reply

Back to Topics

First

Next Last