"Thrifty Gas Saving Tips"

[eleny]

A lot of people have to drive their cars, so here's a site with tips on saving gas.

http://www.howtoadvice.com/savinggas

Here's a tip that was new to me:
"Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement"."

And this one
"During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast."

I don't usually pay too much attention to snow and ice build up inside the fenders but I will in the future.

[politicat]

1. Some of those will work for carb cars, only.

Marvel Mystery Oil is a great way to kill a fuel injected car. It clogs the injectors, and dead injectors are really expensive to clean/replace.

And this guy is also okay with shaving, cell-phoning, etc while driving. *eek!*

For us, the best way to save gas was to get rid of the big vehicle and only rent one when we we need to haul something. I think we need a truck about 3 times a year, so $90 in rental fees and $30 in gas is a hell of a lot cheaper than the couple grand we spent on our big, old Suburban. Same with when we need a van or an SUV or a bigger car. Not often, but when we do need it, there's an Avis four miles away.

[eleny]

2. I was wondering about that "Mystery Oil" stuff

Then I got busy and figured to poke around later. Thanks. We don't use many additives. I didn't read about the shaving or cell phoning while drivng! Eek is right.

But I did like some of the other tips. There are some good ones in there that were new to me even after 40 years of driving. I'm always forgetting how long it's better to idle than shut down and start up again. I usually shut down going through a drive through at the bank or pharmacy. At least I've had that right.

We have a pickup and hesitate to give it up. We use it often during the year. But even that can be cut back. We used to take stuff to the dump a few times a year. Lots of tree branches and other debris. But the past few years we've rented a small dumpster from Sam's Hauling. That's been a great alternative since we wind up doing more to get it really full. And then he carts the whole shebang away.

Yes the best way to save gas is not to use a vehicle at all. Many people don't live in towns and cities where it's easy to get around and find alternatives. Hopefully more people will share their ideas, too. Thanks!

[politicat]

3. Sure - some things aren't practical if you're not urban/suburban

There's no way I'd expect our farm manager and his wife and daughters to do things the way we do - they live 2.5 miles from the nearest town, on roads where people fly at about 65, with no bike lanes and no public transportation. I totally support K's use of her car, J's truck and A's little runabout (the girls are 16 and 12, and A takes H to school and activities). But my next door neighbors, who have not only a full size pickup (and it's never been used for anything bigger than groceries), an SUV and a minivan? And one child? And a lapdog? That's just conspicuous consumption.

I'm not sure on the cruise control thing - the few times I've had cars with it, they seemed to get better mileage if I let the computer do the thinking. But then, I'm a leadfoot, which is the reason we have an underpowered little car. I can't get in as much trouble if I have to shift gears and it only has 75 horsepower.

I just wonder where that guy lives, if it's okay to run around with the windows rolled up and no AC or blower. Can't be the south or the Northeast, or the Southwest or the Midwest or ... anywhere I can think of.

[eleny]

4. Even in the hot weather we had, I've resisted using the air conditioning

Since I don't travel too far to shop etc, I've opened a window or two and not bothered with the cooling. I love air conditioning but am going to try and be better about using it in the car and house this summer.

I hope that the nation can get going on the alternatives. There was some talk on tv today about cars that can use different fuels like the Brazil model for petro independence. My car is big and a '91. We got it to transport my disabled folks and a wheel chair around. We don't need a large car anymore. But my car won't croak. It hardly puts out any emissions, so its sin is that it gets less than 14 mpg. My plan is to see what gives in the next year or so and then go for the latest technology. Meantime, I drive like there's an egg between my foot and the gas pedal. I only go through a tank and a half of gas per month since I retired. Being a homebody has its upside.