Desperate to Ease Pain at the Gas Pump? Here’s How

Can’t recall the last time you paid less than $40 for a tank of gas? You’re not alone. With prices already topping $4 per gallon in places like Chicago and New York City, and demand expected to rise this summer, you may be willing to try just about anything to curb gas consumption and costs.

“It’s possible to improve gas mileage in virtually any vehicle,” advises Bill Schumacher , an automotive expert with NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation. “You can improve your vehicle’s gas mileage by making some simple changes to the way you travel.”

Better Driving Equals Better Mileage

One of the most important thing you can do to improve your gas mileage is to simply drive smarter. That means staying within the speed limit, avoiding aggressive driving, and braking and starting smoothly.

“Being a polite driver isn’t just a nice thing to do, it can help you conserve gas and save money,” Schumacher points out. In fact, Edmunds.com tested the theory that moderate driving could result in improved gas mileage and found that moderate driving reduced gas consumption an average of 31 percent, with lower speed driving saving an average of 12 percent.

Use cruise control whenever possible on level highways, but avoid using it in hilly roads where it forces the engine to labor to maintain speed. Instead, maintain speed going up the hill and remove your foot from the gas pedal on the downside, allowing gravity to do the job of moving the car. Edmunds found that smart use of cruise control improved gas efficiency an average of 7 percent.

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

“Driving lost can lead to backtracking, excessive idling and unnecessary miles – all major gas wasters,” warns Schumacher. “There’s a reason why the big transport companies like FedEx and UPS pre-plan drivers’ routes; knowing where you’re going ahead of time means you’re less likely to waste gas driving aimlessly.”

For daily driving tasks, compare routes to see which one is likely to save the most gas. Remember, the shortest distance is not necessarily the best gas-saving route. Idling – the kind you would do in heavy stop-and-go traffic – can consume up to a gallon of gas or more per hour, according to Benjamin Jones, co-founder of the Web site Ecomodder. You may save gas with a route that is slightly longer in miles, but where less traffic allows you to keep moving at a consistent, moderate pace.

If you’re planning a long summer road trip, or even just heading somewhere new locally, make sure your route is as direct as possible. Consult a map or the Internet. If you have a newer vehicle, use your in-dash navigation system, and if you don’t have one, consider investing in a portable device. Those devices offer a lot of information on your favorite brands, whether it’s coffee, gas or a hotel chain you seek, your GPS device will help locate and identify a smart route.

Because traffic conditions change daily, be sure you’re using the most current information available. Update the map on your on-board navigation or handheld device by logging on to www.navteq.com and visiting their store. Or use www.traffic.com to get information if you don’t have a navigation system. The site can also be accessed from any Web-equipped cell phone at http://mobi.traffic.com, or by calling the (866) MY-TRAFC (866-698-7232) traffic hotline.

Choose People Power

If you are out walking or biking, consider equipping your bicycle with a carry basket. A trip to the post office or grocery store can become a cost-savings and health-benefiting excursion if you bike or walk. “It’s been said the human body is the most efficient engine ever built,” Schumacher comments. “Walking or biking for short trips is the ultimate way to save on gas costs. Plus, it’s good for the environment and your health.”

When driving, consider wearing thin-soled shoes or – if the law in your state permits – driving barefoot. The sensitivity of your skin will help you brake and accelerate gently, improving gas mileage.

Make smart use of the discounts and incentives many businesses are using to win and keep customers. Choose gas stations that offer cash back programs. Many entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants have begun offering discounts and incentives to reward patrons for spending the money on a drive to their destination.

Finally, use people power to avoid long idle times, which can consume up to a gallon of gas per hour. Stopping at the bank, a fast food joint or the pharmacy? Get out and go inside instead of heading for the drive-through.

“Not only will you slash gas-wasting idle time, you’ll begin working off those fast food calories on the walk back to the car,” Schumacher jokes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: better driving, gas prices, mileage, NAVTEQ

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