Gas Prices Rising as Summer Approaches

Gas prices are on the rise, so it is time again to review our driving habits.

SLOW DOWN! Fuel Economy.gov shows that gas mileage decreases at speeds above 60 mph. “You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas” also “Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town” as discussed on their site.

In New Jersey when on the roads it seems like the speed limit is 75 m.p.h. when it is actually 65 m.p.h. Slowing down at least to the speed limit will save you money as you use about 5% more gas for every 10 m.p.h. above 55.  Of course for some people time is money too so they may choose to drive fast.  Speeding has also has a social cost by accounting for many more accidents that end up happening.

Other ways to save at the pump:

1) Keep tires inflated properly to at least the tire manufacturers specification for the amount of weight being carried.

2) Use gas that has a cleaning additive to it or at least add your own every other tank.

3) Smoothly accelerate and learn to take your foot off the gas well in advance of the red light ahead of you to coast to it.

4) Instead of using your trunk as a storage place remove the weight of unnecessary items.

5) Lose some of your weight… if everyone lost 10lbs. of weight imagine how much gas would be saved along with better health!

6) Bike or walk instead for short trips around the corner or to the local market… not only do you save gas but you get added health benefits as well.

7) Only fill the tank to halfway as each gallon of gas weighs 7.5lbs. If you multiply that by 10 gallons it is like carrying an extra person around with you.

Fill up your tank when it is cooler out in the early AM or in the PM hours as in hot weather the gas you pump vaporizes meaning you get less in your tank.