How to Cut Your Fuel Consumption

The increasing cost oil per barrel, a futures market being driven by greedy investors, the increasing demand for oil and its byproducts in China and other countries overseas and periodic terrorist attacks on oil pipelines in Iraq and Nigeria is driving up the cost of gasoline per gallon. Add in state and federal taxes on a gallon of gas at the pumps, and many Americans are feeling the pinch not only in higher fuel prices, but higher food costs. Changing the way we drive is one way to at least save a few bucks on gas. Read on to learn how to cut your fuel consumption.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Keep in mind that car pools are but one way to cut gasoline consumption. In addition to carpooling for work, consider setting up car pools for children's sports, clubs or other extra curricular activities as well as transporting to and from school.
2. If there is a city bus service in your community, try taking a bus to school or work. In one Kansas community a bus stops at the baseball arena twice daily. This is where persons working in the downtown area park their cars during the day. It may be more convenient for you to take the bus all the way and you might also consider taking the bus for trips to the doctor to run a errand or for minor shopping.
3. More lights = more fuel use Look for alternative routes to the places you frequent such as church, the grocery store, work or schools. Look for routes with less stop lights and stop signs as every time you stop and then accelerate you use extra gasoline.
4. On nice days, and depending the area of the community you live in, consider asking your teen to carpool with friends or walk shorter distances. Many schools are well within walking distance. You may only save a few cents in gasoline per day but every savings helps.
5. After you have stopped at a stop light and once the light turns green, accelerate slowly. Quick acceleration using pressure on the gas pedal uses more fuel.
6. Drive at a steady rate of speed on the highway, using your vehicle's cruise control to set the speed, if you have one. If the speed limit is 70 m.p.h., you could choose to drive 5 m.p.h. under the speed limit.
7. Know that other things influence the fuel your vehicle uses, also. Change the air filter on your car every three or four months and have regular oil changes done on your vehicle, as well.
8. Right now some stores are offering money off fuel prices per gallon if you make a certain purchase amount from the participating store through their shopping discount cards. Check to see if the the various places you shop provides anything like this program. Even a penny or two per gallon of gasoline saved adds up.
9. Try and do all of your weekly shopping at one time and at one location such as a super stores or strip malls. Go through your house or apartment and make a list of everything you need, from food to miscellaneous items.

Tips & Warnings

• Many people cannot afford to purchase hybrid vehicles or newer vehicles. These tips will save varying amounts of fuel depending on your vehicle.