ALT-15 What you can do to Save Money on Gas
DADDY ALWAYS SAID - don't go over the speed limit, but I didn't realize that, besides trying to keep me safe, he was also trying to save a little of his hard earned cash by conserving gas. For every 5 mph you go beyond 60 mph, you are paying an extra 15 to 26 cents per gallon. This is because gas mileage dwindles in a hurry at speeds above 60 mph. My Dad would be glad to know those little words of wisdom didn't just go in one ear and out the other and that, in fact, one day I would be able to pass on his advice, along with many other tips, and perhaps save someone else a little bit of money. That was Daddy's first tip, and most often repeated, but here are other tips he had for you and me:
2) DON'T REV UP YOUR ENGINE when you start it. And don't let it idle too long either. Both of these practices waste gas. Your engine warms up faster when you drive your car than it does by idling or revving.
3) DON'T HAVE A LEAD FOOT! Of course this could refer to driving fast, but it also refers to the takeoff. A fast takeoff can burn gas quickly, so be sure to keep your starts and stops slow and gentle.
4) YOU LEFT THE GAS CAP OFF AGAIN! That wasn't just to aggravate me and pick on me, either, but I don't do it anymore, I promise! If given the chance, such as an open escape hatch, the gas in your tank will act just like a genie coming out of the bottle and evaporate into thin air.
5) ROLL UP THOSE WINDOWS! Turn on the AC. Would you believe that running the AC is cheaper than riding with your windows open? I didn't either when my dad first told me. Open windows increase the resistance and create drag on your car, especially on the freeway. So use your AC, but on those not so hot days use your vents to bring in air.
6) JUST PICK A PLACE AND PARK! I've got to admit I'm still guilty of disobeying this little jewel of wisdom. I just know that if I drive around one more time I will find that parking place right in front. But when I'm with my husband and he is driving, I strive to calm myself with these words as my husband pulls into the parking lot and pulls into the first empty space there is, at the far edge of the parking lot, with nobody near, far out in the parking lot. (My dad would be proud of him, at least!)
7) THE EXERCISE WILL DO YOU GOOD! And it will do your kids could to! Take advantage of these hot summer days. If it's not very far, take the baby in her stroller and walk, take your kids to the park, show them the sky, the trees, smell the air. Getting them all tired out will help them sleep better tonight!
8) DON'T BE IN SUCH A HURRY to get to the next stop sign, you'll only have to brake hard when you get close and that burns gas. And if you're coming to a hill, start accelerating before you get to the hill and you'll burn less gas.
9) CRUISIN'! On a Sunday afternoon, or any day, use your cruise control. It keeps your car moving at an even speed and, most of the time, will save you gas.
10) DON'T BUY THE FIRST THING YOU SEE! Of course my dad said this a lot, but in this case, he meant don't get gas at the nearest store just because it's the nearest store. Drive around, check out the prices of other gas stations, and you'll notice that they are in a constant rivalry and one store will always be a little cheaper than the one across the street.
My daddy said a lot of things that I didn't listen to when I was younger. But now I realize how much wisdom, his words held. Follow his advice, I will, and we'll both save money!
