According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation is the second highest family expense each month just after housing. And while you may not be able to do much about your monthly car payment, your fuel costs can vary widely based on your driving style. Reporter Mike Lipsitz offers some tips on how to save at the pump picked up online at GasBuddy.com, and one of them is don’t drive at 130 miles per hour like Jeremiah Armstrong…
Hard breaking and fast acceleration can lower your gas mileage by 20 percent or more. Speed is another major factor. As your speed increases, so does aerodynamic drag; driving 62 miles per hour rather than 75 will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent. Excess weight also lowers fuel efficiency, so remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Don’t be a drag; team spirit is great, but cruising around with flags, rooftop ornaments, or anything else that changes your vehicle’s aerodynamics eats more gas. Next tip: Get out of the drive-through. As a general rule, shut off the engine if you expect to idle for more than one minute. Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended for your vehicle. A single tire under inflated by two pounds per square inch (PSI) increases fuel consumption by one percent. Find the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle on a sticker inside the driver’s door area.
