GasBuddy News Article

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How to save on transportation costs

Miami Herald -- Driving the speed limit can increase fuel efficiency by 7 percent to 23 percent. Figure it costs 20 cents a gallon for every five miles over the speed limit, the government says. • Unload your trunk. You can lose 2 percent in miles-per-gallon by carrying around 100 extra pounds of stuff. Keep your car properly maintained by replacing air filters and keeping tires inflated to the appropriate pressure. • Use cruise control on the highway. • Braking and accelerating slowly can improve fuel economy by 5 percent to 33 percent. • Carpool to halve weekly gas expenses or use public transportation.

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Submitted Dec 09, 2007 By: JT

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the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:4,246 Points:908,455 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2007 7:24:26 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Good advice. In my case, I've altered my driving habits notably such as never accelerating rapidly from a standing stop and it does help.
design_guy06 Champion Author Ontario Posts:6,409 Points:1,261,295 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 5:34:54 PM Ignore design_guy06 Report Abuse Car pool, and drive by the speed limit. I always find that it saves you a bit on gas since it works for me.
Egor Champion Author Regina Posts:2,260 Points:769,775 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 8:08:40 AM Ignore Egor Report Abuse All of this is called driving sensibly. I have been doing this for years (because it is the right thing to do, not to save money). So, now, how about some options for those of use who are already sensible.
don985 Champion Author Denver Posts:4,071 Points:1,173,690 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 8:03:13 AM Ignore don985 Report Abuse Drive less, use public transportation, buy smaller cars.
jck667 Sophomore Author Connecticut Posts:210 Points:338,600 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:58:34 AM Ignore jck667 Report Abuse If you google "hypermiler" you will find that a couple of these recommendations are not correct, specifically using cruise control (especially in hilly areas) and accelerating slowly (you should accelerate under high load/low rpm to cruising speed). I try to keep my car in 5th gear as much as possible (>35 mph) and drive 55-60 on the highway. It has gotten me around +5 mpg compared to when I was driving 70 mph and I get to work five minutes later. "your mileage may vary"
shuck5 Veteran Author Denver Posts:309 Points:51,905 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:53:05 AM Ignore shuck5 Report Abuse i remember when i was a kid in the early 70's and we were "running" out of gas then, stop the scare tactics and become a government for the people!
gotoneros Champion Author Syracuse Posts:3,146 Points:643,450 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:52:50 AM Ignore gotoneros Report Abuse Yeah I'll just WALK 40 miles to work.
radcaz Champion Author Houston Posts:5,450 Points:1,407,325 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:51:36 AM Ignore radcaz Report Abuse want to save? try walking...
SpruceGuse2 Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,030 Points:1,320,620 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:46:07 AM Ignore SpruceGuse2 Report Abuse Does any body read these Posts besides us that can't do anything about these situations but vent?
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:13,361 Points:1,776,100 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:39:01 AM Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse They're right, all these things help vis a vis mileage. Sometimes dealers underinflate the tires in order to give the car a slightly softer ride. It also handles better in rain or snow as theoretically there's more tread contacting the road.
flatcoatfun Champion Author Orlando Posts:1,175 Points:377,805 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:38:27 AM Ignore flatcoatfun Report Abuse Yea I was trying to tell this to my hubby yesterday as he was speeding 20 over the limit - he didn't listen - so I just sent him this article.
mkroehler Sophomore Author Jacksonville Posts:151 Points:154,805 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:35:49 AM Ignore mkroehler Report Abuse Unload youre trunk? Spare tire, jumper cables, jack, small tool kit, small first aid kit, small blanket. Okay. Trunk is empty. Hope I don't break down...
mjs9171 Champion Author Chicago Posts:4,350 Points:500,355 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:32:33 AM Ignore mjs9171 Report Abuse Yesterday I walked to the grocery store to get a few groceries because it was icey out. Not only did it save gas but it was nice to get a walk. People looked at me like I was crazy. More people should try it.
JPGKC Champion Author Tampa Posts:4,419 Points:821,125 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:24:19 AM Ignore JPGKC Report Abuse I wish I could car pool.
cjs1 Sophomore Author Twin Cities Posts:103 Points:932,360 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:22:48 AM Ignore cjs1 Report Abuse I agree with people who say carpool. I would love to, but the response is that gas isn't high enough yet to give up one's freedom. I have driven 55 mph and there is a difference of about 3 miles per gallon better. I just let those who drive faster pass by.
DWNASH All-Star Author Indiana Posts:671 Points:611,915 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:20:04 AM Ignore DWNASH Report Abuse The amish got it figured out. keep it simple.
DST43 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:2,936 Points:502,130 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:16:03 AM Ignore DST43 Report Abuse My trunk is empty because, I can't afford to buy anything to put in it. I drive the speed limits because I can't afford to pay a speeding tickets. Let me see shat else can I do to help conserve fuel. stop going to work that want help me out any. Maybe stop shopping which want help the economic out a whole lot...
tarbaby1 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:4,498 Points:1,218,170 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:13:20 AM Ignore tarbaby1 Report Abuse We can be thankful we still have the freedom to choose...
Jayhorn Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:2,704 Points:1,067,665 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:12:33 AM Ignore Jayhorn Report Abuse I was hoping the full article explained this statement, but it doesn't. "It costs 20 cents a gallon for every five miles over the speed limit, the government says." The cost of a gallon of gas doesn't change based on the speed you drive. Does anybody know what the real statistic is that they are trying to quote here? (and doing it quite poorly I might add.)
bicycler Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,830 Points:1,558,735 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:10:22 AM Ignore bicycler Report Abuse Jeepney; Normally I do but there is too much ice on the road now and I can see me sliding under the wheel of some pickup and if you ever see the underside of one of those, as I have, you will understand what I mean!!!!
mohawkhudson Sophomore Author Albany Posts:176 Points:700,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:09:30 AM Ignore mohawkhudson Report Abuse It is hard to drive near the speed limit when everyone around is going 15 mph or more above the limit. Also, every time I get an oil change, I find that my tires are set to be under inflated. This is something that needs to change at all shops and dealerships.
FieroGT Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:8,588 Points:1,498,810 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:06:36 AM Ignore FieroGT Report Abuse Use public transportation is fine. But I have a real problem when they say build new light rail. The proposed new 10 mile line between St. Paul and Minneapolis is estimated will cost more than $1 billion and growing. That will put a lot of gas in my tank.
Jeepney4106 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,909 Points:1,159,810 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:03:56 AM Ignore Jeepney4106 Report Abuse Use a bicycle.
lleddirj Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,130 Points:840,695 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:01:11 AM Ignore lleddirj Report Abuse The only way is to get our legislators to encourage mass transit at all levels.
papou Champion Author Tampa Posts:4,972 Points:787,730 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 7:00:50 AM Ignore papou Report Abuse For the uneducated if you cannot contribute something worthwhile be silent. Check your car for tire inflation, remove excess weight from car, have a tune up regularly change air filter regularly. I was amazed at the cost for driving over the speed limit. We tried going five miles over and noticed better mileage than going ten or more over the limit.
Tonester1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:6,742 Points:1,196,145 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:59:42 AM Ignore Tonester1 Report Abuse Carpool and mass transportation would be the key.
The_WB Champion Author Detroit Posts:7,946 Points:923,400 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:59:31 AM Ignore The_WB Report Abuse Save cost - stop driving
bug27 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:13,796 Points:1,640,570 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:57:52 AM Ignore bug27 Report Abuse Fewer SUVs, vans and pickups would save a lot. Buy a more fuel efficient car.
Litt211 Veteran Author St. Louis Posts:270 Points:887,680 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:57:02 AM Ignore Litt211 Report Abuse CARPOOL
CTDPower Veteran Author Virginia Beach Posts:488 Points:177,575 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:55:45 AM Ignore CTDPower Report Abuse With colder weather upon us...check your tire pressures. Every other vehicle I see has tires that are noticeably low. This hurts fuel mileage significantly.
iseelowprice Veteran Author New York Posts:337 Points:165,035 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:53:49 AM Ignore iseelowprice Report Abuse The problem is who will keep the speed limit? I have tried it, but it ain't work. People behind you will tailgate you until you change lane or drive faster. That makes driving too dangerous. If we have highway patrols that enforce the speed limit law, then it will work! Otherwise, forget it.
gw22204 All-Star Author Virginia Posts:804 Points:284,675 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:46:48 AM Ignore gw22204 Report Abuse hit the lottery
rvnvet70 Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,708 Points:1,301,225 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:45:13 AM Ignore rvnvet70 Report Abuse Buy a moped. Better yet, get a human powered bicycle.
93Stealth All-Star Author Detroit Posts:595 Points:301,200 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:45:00 AM Ignore 93Stealth Report Abuse I have cut back my speed, on highway 60mph-65mph and on country roads 45mph-50mph. Tailgaters galore, so close they almost hit me....why can't people just pass me? You know you don't want to go my speed...
mwhals Champion Author Charleston Posts:7,669 Points:1,293,760 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:42:32 AM Ignore mwhals Report Abuse I have told people that speeding increases their fuel costs and no one seems to believe me. If people would quit speeding, their fuel efficiency would increase some, which adds up over time. People should be able to go the speed limit without getting run over by the speeders. Where is law enforcement???
PapaSmurf5 All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:510 Points:281,060 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:38:10 AM Ignore PapaSmurf5 Report Abuse in atlanta, doing 55 on an interstate causes a hazard!
bbreff Champion Author Atlanta Posts:4,297 Points:1,466,645 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:36:08 AM Ignore bbreff Report Abuse One way is to stop SPEEDING.
LOMO4 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:46 Points:174,680 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:30:46 AM Ignore LOMO4 Report Abuse Don't live 50 miles from work and complain about gas prices... Don't drive like you're in a race and complain about gas prices...
GASMAN632 All-Star Author New York Posts:882 Points:1,015,540 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:29:41 AM Ignore GASMAN632 Report Abuse Stay home or walk!!!!!!
Prius_MN All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:879 Points:509,705 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:26:26 AM Ignore Prius_MN Report Abuse Public transportation!!
Gassie1 Champion Author Akron Posts:6,854 Points:1,023,115 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:24:11 AM Ignore Gassie1 Report Abuse Bum a ride!
ky_commuter75 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,104 Points:882,005 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:23:49 AM Ignore ky_commuter75 Report Abuse hence the reason of 55 mph. They raise the speed limit and we are spending more on gas.
StevieB Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,966 Points:1,170,625 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:18:22 AM Ignore StevieB Report Abuse I totally agree...
ARCO Rookie Author Pittsburgh Posts:43 Points:1,371,210 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:18:14 AM Ignore ARCO Report Abuse OVER AND OVER AND OVER!
Road_Fever Champion Author West Virginia Posts:5,493 Points:1,013,425 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:12:47 AM Ignore Road_Fever Report Abuse I guess maybe the story needs retold.
winggnutt Champion Author Detroit Posts:6,332 Points:1,425,625 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:06:36 AM Ignore winggnutt Report Abuse duh!
1fuelish1 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:10,212 Points:955,375 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 6:03:17 AM Ignore 1fuelish1 Report Abuse On certain tracks, NASCAR drivers press the accelerator gently, like there are eggs underneath it which they are trying not to break. This is how I drive nearly all the time. I get very good mileage. [Edited by: 1fuelish1 at 12/10/2007 8:04:12 AM EST]
cliffynosleep Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,031 Points:1,360,730 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 5:54:36 AM Ignore cliffynosleep Report Abuse people poking through green lights cause much more gas wastage. This causes people to have to sit through 2 or three green light cycles just to get through one traffic signal. Imagine going through 10 to 15 signals this way. You have wasted over a gallon of gasoline. GET IT MOVING PEOPLE THE REST OF US WANT TO GO TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hartman All-Star Author Lansing Posts:645 Points:312,010 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 5:53:38 AM Ignore hartman Report Abuse easier said then done
randallxski Sophomore Author Rochester Posts:182 Points:372,685 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2007 5:48:46 AM Ignore randallxski Report Abuse Telecommute! I know that isn't an option for everyone. Maybe that should be an upcoming poll or poll series: is it possible in your job; your company; how many times a week/month/year....