Gas prices are up, but there is something you can do to reduce costs

Gas prices continue to be a hot topic across the country.  You may not have control over the cost of gas, but you DO have some say over how you use it.  Here are a few ideas to reduce consumption and ease the strain on your wallet.

  • Reduce your average speed:
    Despite a posted limit of 100km/hour on most highways, motorists average 120km/hr.  This equates to a 20% increase in fuel consumption and costs you 20% more on gas.  Slow down and smell the savings.
  • Relax for the duration of the ride:
    Alternating between accelerating and hitting the brakes doesn’t just increase wear and tear on your vehicle; it also results in an increase in fuel consumption by a whopping 25%!  The kicker: it only saves you about 2.5 minutes on your trip.
  • Reduce the weight drag:
    Is your vehicle a storage unit?  For every additional 100 pounds in your vehicle you are reducing the mileage you get by about 2%.  Clean out your car and start saving money.
  • Idle not:
    It’s a waste of fuel, a source of pollution and fast becoming completely socially and politically unacceptable!  Idling your vehicle gets you nowhere and costs money.  Idling for just 10 minutes a day can result in an increase of annual fuel costs by 5%.
  • Check your tires:
    There’s a reason your vehicle or tire manufacturer recommends a certain level of tire pressure; it makes your vehicle operate more efficiently!  Measure your tire pressure monthly and adjust according to specifications.

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