How To Have Extra Money To Spend By Driving Economically
In the last chapter, you learned many ways to optimize the performance of your vehicle, making it more fuel efficient, last longer, and safer to drive.
Most experts claim nothing you do mechanically to your vehicle can have as much effect on gas mileage as the way you drive. In this chapter, you'll learn 29 tips for driving more economically (and also safely).
Tip #1:
Warm Up The Engine Properly
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to warm up your engine for several minutes before driving. You only need to do it for about 30 seconds.
Even on a cold morning, you can start driving slowly after warming your engine for only half a minute. Prolonged warming up of the engine causes your vehicle to consume as much as four litres of
gas per hour.
When your vehicle is idling, it's getting zero kilometres per litre. By idling for only 30 seconds, and then driving slowly for a few minutes, your vehicle will: (1) warm up faster (than when it’s just idling), (2) improve gas mileage, and (3) reduce wear and tear because the engine lubricates better.
If you started driving several decades ago, you might have been told to warm up your vehicle for at least a few minutes before taking off. If your vehicle is more than 15 years old, this still might be necessary. But if it's only several years old, it was designed to be driven almost immediately. You can drive it after just a 30-second warm up.
Start the engine only when you're ready to go. If you need to adjust the mirrors or the seat, secure the baby, check the tires, or do other things, leave the engine off until you're ready to drive.
If your vehicle has a remote starter, use it wisely. Avoid turning on your engine and then doing something else for several minutes before getting into your automobile.
Tip #2:
Use A Block Heater
If you live in a cold area, during the winter, use a block heater to warm your engine before starting it. A cold engine uses more gas and also produces more exhaust emissions than a warm one.
If your heater has a timer, you can set it to come on a few hours before you turn on your vehicle. A warm engine starts easier than a cold one, saving you as much as 10% on gas.
Tip #3:
Release Your Emergency Brake Before Pulling Away
Although you may laugh at this suggestion and can't believe anyone would drive with his or her emergency brake on, it happens more often than you can imagine. Driving with your emergency brake on will damage it and also cause your vehicle to eat more gas. Remember to release it before pulling away.
Tip #4:
Accelerate Slowly And Smoothly
Acceleration requires more horsepower and extra fuel. The harder and faster you go, the more gas you'll burn. The key is to accelerate smoothly and evenly, especially when taking off from a dead stop. Avoid jack-rabbit starts (taking off or driving in a sudden, rapid manner).
By pushing the gas pedal down only 1/4 of the way, your engine will consume less gas. Before pressing the gas pedal, visualize a raw egg between the pedal and your foot. You'll likely step on the pedal more gently, resulting in better gas mileage.
Fast acceleration and quick braking can lower your mileage up to 33%.
Tip #5:
Drive At The Speed Limit
Speed limits are established for your driving safety, and following them will save you money on gas.
According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), driving at 88 kilometres per hour gives you up to 21% better fuel economy than traveling at 105, and going at 105 kilometres per hour instead of 120, would improve your mileage by as much as another 25%.
While driving at slower speeds will allow your vehicle to consume less gas than traveling at higher speeds, please keep this in mind. If you’re traveling on a highway with a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour, please don’t drive at 80 just because you want to save gas. Going that much slower than the rest of the traffic can put you and other drivers at enormous risk.
Here’s an exception: If you’re on a long stretch of a two-lane highway, and there are no vehicles in the lane behind you, then it’s fine to go 15-25 kilometres per hour below the speed limit. When you see vehicles traveling in both lanes, especially if a few of them are behind you, either increase your speed to the posted limit or pull over to let them pass, if you feel it’s safe to do so.
If you're already driving at the speed limit and there's a vehicle tailgating you, refrain from being forced to speed up. If it's safe to pull over and let them pass, then do so. Remember, no matter what other drivers are doing, you need to control your emotions and your vehicle at all times.
Since the average speed limit in the city is 60 kilometres per hour, do your best to drive at this speed or just slightly below it. Going faster than 60, besides being unsafe, makes your vehicle use more gas to overcome the extra air resistance.
Most traffic lights are timed for your driving advantage. So going at or close to the speed limit will increase your chances of getting green lights for a long distance.
When you calculate the amount of time you could save by speeding, you’ll find out it’s very little, sometimes only seconds. Wouldn’t you agree even a few minutes saved isn’t worth the extra gas used or the additional risk to you, your passengers, and other drivers?
Speeding, besides being unsafe, if you get a ticket, you may have to pay $150 or more, which might buy you several tanks of gas. So I urge you to drive at or close to the speed limit.
Tip #6:
Do Not Race Other Drivers
Avoid racing the driver in the next lane, especially when taking off from a traffic light. In addition to being dangerous, driving at higher speeds will cause your vehicle to burn more gas.
Tip #7:
Stay In Control
On May 12, 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) said traffic accidents kill four times as many people as wars.
Transport Canada said, in 2004, 2,730 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes and 212,347 were injured.
According to a study by State University of New York, hostile drivers are more sensitive to stress and have a higher chance of causing a traffic accident. So, when you're driving, no matter what's
happening around you, stay calm and in control. By eliminating aggressive driving, not only will you minimize your risk of getting into an accident, but you'll also save gas.
If you feel sleepy or drowsy when driving, pull off into a safe area away from traffic and take a nap for 15 to 45 minutes. Even after just a short nap, you'll feel energized and more alert.
Tip #8:
Keep A Proper Following Distance
Not only does tailgating cause your vehicle to eat more gas (because you have to brake and accelerate more often), but it also will increase your chances of getting into a traffic accident.
Experts suggest the minimum distance to keep between you and the vehicle ahead of you is 2 seconds when driving around town and three to four seconds when traveling on a highway. At night, or during bad weather, you need to increase your safety margin by two to four or more seconds.
To determine your distance correctly, follow these simple steps:
Select a point on the road, such as a tree or a light pole.
Watch the vehicle in front of you pass it and then count the seconds it takes you to reach the same place.
The number of seconds you counted is your following distance. If you feel it is appropriate, then maintain this space. Otherwise, depending on the situation, you'll need to leave more or less distance. When in doubt, keep a bigger gap between you and the vehicle in front.
Tip #9:
Use Cruise Control
When driving on a two-lane highway, even if you go at the posted speed limit, you can save a lot of gas by using your cruise control. If you stay in the right (slower) lane, you can set your cruise control at 90 or 95 kilometres per hour even if the limit is 100 and probably not upset other drivers. If there are many vehicles behind you in your lane, either speed up to the posted limit or pull over to let others pass you, unless you don’t think it’s safe to do so.
Since your cruise control can save you a significant amount of gas, use it whenever you think it's safe and appropriate. Because slowing down and speeding up wastes fuel, the more you can use your cruise control, the more gas you'll conserve. Remember to turn off your cruise control when you're going up a long or steep hill.
Tip #10:
Avoid Driving Fast In Low Gears
Studies show driving fast in low gears can use up to 45% more gas than driving in higher gears. If you have a manual shift vehicle, change to the highest gear as soon as possible. Or, if your car has an automatic transmission, use the drive (D) gear (rather than the first or second one), unless you’re going up a very steep hill or driving on lots of snow.
Tip #11:
Use Overdrive Gears
Overdrive allows your engine to rotate slower while you’re traveling at high speeds. So if your vehicle is equipped with overdrive, use it at appropriate speeds, especially on highways. You’ll save gas and reduce the wear and tear on your engine.
Tip #12:
Use Your Brakes
If you're driving a manual shift vehicle, avoid engine braking (downshifting to slow it down). Instead, use your brakes. You'll conserve gas and also reduce the wear and tear on your engine.
Tip #13:
Keep Your Left Foot Away From The Pedals
Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking. If your left foot accidentally touches the brake pedal while your vehicle is in motion, it’ll cause a “drag.” This will demand additional fuel and also wear down your brakes prematurely. If your vehicle is an automatic, you can place your left foot on the foot rest while you’re driving.
Tip #14:
Think Ahead
As you drive, anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a constant speed. If there’s a hill coming up and you think you’ll need more power to climb it, increase your speed steadily as you approach. If you wait until you reach the foot of the hill or accelerate while you’re climbing, your vehicle will consume more fuel.
If there are several hills in a row, use them to your advantage. Let your vehicle speed up while going down a hill so the momentum and coasting can help it get up the next one with just a little bit of acceleration.
Anticipate the traffic in front of you. If the light ahead is red, begin coasting early. More often than not, it will change to green before you get there, allowing you to go without coming to a full stop first.
Tip #15:
Turn Left Strategically
By being alert, you can avoid getting caught behind exiting traffic or cars making a left-hand turn. If you see several vehicles lining up to turn left where you also want to turn, you may consider doing so a block or two sooner.
Before reaching an intersection where you want to turn left, check for vehicles approaching in the opposite direction, and adjust your speed so you can turn without having to come to a complete stop. Also, before turning left onto a certain street, make sure there isn’t a sign that prohibits you from doing so during a certain time, such as between 7AM and 9AM on the weekdays. If you disobey a traffic sign and get caught by a police officer, you may receive a ticket for $100 or more.
Tip #16:
Put Your Vehicle In Neutral
When waiting at a long red light or a railroad crossing, put your car in neutral and your foot on the brake. This will reduce transmission strain, allow the transmission to cool, and consume less fuel than keeping the gear in drive.
If you know you'll have to wait for more than a minute at a railroad crossing or traffic light, you'll save more gas by shutting off your engine and starting again than by letting your vehicle idle.
Did you know the new hybrid cars shut off their engines temporarily when stopped in traffic, and then restart automatically when put back into gear? That’s one of the reasons hybrids can go 21 kilometres per litre of gas. We’ll discuss these unique automobiles in Chapter Seven.
Tip #17:
Drive Strategically On Curves
Reduce your speed when approaching a curve, and then accelerate slowly half way through it. Not only will this make it safer for you, but it also will allow your engine to conserve gas.
Tip #18:
Use Turn Signals
If every driver used turn signals, then traffic would move more smoothly, saving fuel for everyone. While some people don't always put on their turn signals, you can help traffic flow more smoothly by always using yours. When you're alert, even if the driver of the vehicle in front of you doesn't use signals, you can anticipate his or her intentions.
Tip #19:
Keep Your Windows Closed
Opened windows and sunroofs cause air drag and can reduce your mileage by up to 10%, especially when traveling at highway speeds. (See next tip for an exception.)
Tip #20:
Use The Air Conditioner Sparingly
Driving with your air conditioner (AC) on can increase your gas consumption by as much as 20%.
When traveling at city speeds, open the windows and/or the sunroof and turn on the vents to keep cool instead of using the air conditioner. If you must use the AC, do the following:
Before turning it on, open your windows and leave them ajar for a few minutes to let hot air escape from your vehicle. This will allow the AC to cool the air inside your car faster.
Close all your windows (and sunroof) and then switch on the AC.
Leave the AC on only until you feel it's cool enough inside your vehicle. Then turn it off and allow the fan to circulate the cold air.
When going at more than 80 kilometres per hour, using the AC, especially on a low setting, will use less gas than having the windows ajar. Remember, open windows cause a lot of air resistance.
When you're driving on a day when the temperature reaches 30 degrees or higher, if you need to use the maximum speed on your AC, go ahead. It's better to be comfortable while driving than putting up with the heat and the sweat just to save a few bucks. Always keep in mind that your main priority when driving should be the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers and pedestrians.
Like the AC, using the heater fan, the heated seats, or the power windows and seats will increase engine load, causing your vehicle to consume more gas. Use these conveniences in moderation.
Tip #21:
Use A Sunshade
On sunny and hot days, use a sunshade (the kind you put in the windshield) to keep your automobile cooler, so you may not need to turn on the AC or to keep the windows open as much.
Tip #22:
Drive On Smooth Roads
Rough, dirt, and gravel roads place a greater demand on your engine, causing it to burn as much as 30% more fuel. Avoid driving on them if possible.
Corners, curves, and lane changes also force your vehicle to eat more gas. Always select a route that has the least number of them. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
Tip #23:
Drive During Off-Peak Hours
As mentioned, if possible, drive only during off-peak hours, which in most major cities is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and after 6:00 PM. During the summer, you can save a lot of gas by not driving in the late afternoons on Mondays and Fridays, which is a peak driving time for vacationers.
Listen to the traffic reports on the radio to avoid being caught in traffic jams or other delays along your regular route.
If you're stuck in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. This will allow you to coast slowly. Though leaving extra distance for coasting may result in drivers cutting in front of you, if you think about all the gas you'll save, you probably won't mind so much.
Tip #24:
Avoid Sitting In Lines
As I shared with you in Chapter Three, instead of waiting in a drive-thru line to buy food or use the ATM, park your car and go inside the restaurant or bank. You’ll conserve gas and may get faster
service. Remember, when your vehicle isn’t moving, it’s getting zero kilometres per litre.
If you must wait in line (except in traffic) and you know your car won’t be moving for 30 seconds or longer, shift into neutral or even turn off the engine instead of letting it idle. Doing so will save some fuel.
If you’re waiting for your children or friends at school, a shopping mall, or a sporting event, start the engine only after everyone has buckled up and you’re ready to drive away.
While I was walking down a street one day, I saw a man sitting in a BMW (with its engine on) talking to another person who was standing outside his car. I thought the driver would be leaving right away. But more than five minutes later, his car was still on and he was still chatting with the other individual.
I said to myself: I wish that driver would care more about the environment than his convenience. Even though he probably has plenty of money and can afford to let his BMW idle, he should turn off the engine when his car isn’t moving in order to help reduce air pollution.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated situation. I’ve witnessed many drivers leave their engines on for up to 15 minutes while waiting for passengers.
Please listen closely: While the purpose of this book is to help you save money on fuel, if you and other readers follow the tips from it, you’ll also increase your gas mileage drastically. When our vehicles get better gas mileage, they will release fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere, making our planet a more pleasant place for all of us to live on. So please do your part to help the environment.
Tip #25:
Avoid Stopping Abruptly
Just as smooth and slow acceleration can conserve gas, stopping slowly and smoothly can do the same thing. Avoid panic stops whenever possible. You'll save fuel by coasting to stops at traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings.
Tip #26:
Keep Your Steering Wheel Still
Some drivers weave their steering wheels back and forth, causing their vehicles to travel farther and consume more gas. While it can be challenging to break this habit, especially if it's one you've had for several decades, with effort and perseverance you'll be able to overcome it. To save fuel, keep your steering wheel as steady as possible.
Tip #27:
Park Your Vehicle Strategically
Whenever possible, park your vehicle so you can drive forward, preferably in the direction you want to go later. Backing up consumes more gas than going forward. When leaving a parking lot, make sure you have the correct change or your money or credit card ready.
When parking on the street, allow plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you can drive forward when you leave. If there's a traffic light located ahead and close to where you park, time pulling out of the space so the light is still green when you reach it. Remember to make sure it's safe before driving onto the main road.
On a sunny and hot day, park in the shade, leave some windows slightly open, or use a sunshade to reduce the need for air conditioning.
Read the parking signs carefully. A $25-parking ticket could buy you half a tank of gas, if you have a compact car. If your vehicle gets towed away, you might have to pay the equivalent of a few tanks of gas to retrieve it.
Tip #28:
Do Not Rev Your Engine Before Turning It Off
Revving your engine before shutting it off wastes gas and wears out the cylinders sooner. If you've been doing this, please get rid of this habit.
Tip #29:
Switch Off Power Accessories
Before turning off your engine, shut down any power accessories, such as the air conditioner, heater, heated seats, heated steering wheel, or CD player. Doing so will decrease engine load the next time you start up, saving you fuel.
In this chapter, you've learned 29 suggestions for driving more economically and safely. If you begin using some of them immediately, they'll become second nature to you within a few weeks.
I’ve been using many of these tips (and those from other chapters of this book) since 2004. In the beginning, I had to think about each one before applying it. Now they come automatically.
If you apply these suggestions regularly, in addition to saving money on gas, you’ll also drive safer, minimizing the risk to yourself, your passengers, and other motorists.
What's more, as I’ve already stated, when your vehicle gets better gas mileage, it will produce less pollution, helping the environment.
Below is a summary of the tips discussed in this chapter. I suggest you print it out, keep it in your vehicle, and use it as a checklist before you turn on the engine.
Warm up the engine properly. Idle for only about 30 seconds.
Use a block heater during the winter if you live in a cold place.
Release your emergency brake before pulling away.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Drive within the speed limit, especially during bad weather and road conditions.
Avoid racing other drivers.
Stay in control of your vehicle and your emotions.
Keep a proper following distance. Two seconds around the city and four on highway.
Use cruise control as much as possible, especially on the highways.
Avoid driving fast in low gears.
Use overdrive gears, especially on the highways.
Avoid engine braking. Use your brakes.
Keep your left foot away from the pedals.
Think ahead and anticipate road and traffic conditions.
Time your left turns so you can go without having to come to a complete stop.
Put your vehicle in neutral when stopping at a long light or railroad crossing.
Drive strategically on curves.
Always use turn signals.
Keep your windows and sunroof closed if possible.
Use the air conditioner sparingly. (When driving on a highway during a hot day, close your windows and sunroof, and turn on your AC. Use low or economy mode.)
Use a sunshade to keep your vehicle cooler.
Drive on smooth roads. Avoid dirt or gravel roads.
Drive during off-peak hours as much as possible.
Avoid sitting in lines and drive-thru windows.
Avoid stopping abruptly.
Keep your steering wheel still.
Park your vehicle strategically.
Avoid revving your engine before turning it off.
Switch off power accessories before shutting down your engine.
If you enjoy reading my book and feel your friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, teammates, and other folks you know, would be able to benefit from it as well,
please inform them. You can do so by scrolling to the top of this page and clicking on the "Tell A Friend" button located at the right side.
By doing so, you will help:
Your friends save money.
Reduce air pollution, making our planet a more pleasant place for all of us to live.
As I’ve shared with you, driving less and improving the gas mileage of our vehicles will decrease the amount of harmful emissions that our automobiles put into the atmosphere.
To learn in detail why fuel economy is important for all of us, visit the U.S. EPA’s website.
You can help more people find out about my book by telling your local newspapers, magazines, and TV stations about it. And, if you have customers, clients, members, patients, subscribers, readers, or viewers, let them know about it as well. They will appreciate you.
Do You Want To Read The Book In PDF Or To Listen To It On Your iPod Or MP3 Player?
This is the Canadian Version of How To Save Big Bucks On Your Gasoline And Other Auto Expenses. If you live in the United States, see the U.S. version.
