gas pumpGas prices keep on climbing and there seems to be no end in sight for it. Yet, high gas prices or not, we still have to drive to work, bring our kids to school and do errands. So, the best way is to find ways to conserve gasoline. Here are a few tips:

  • Drive the speed limit.

Oh, that must be boring for everyone. Most people are on the “10-over the speed limit club” because 10 is the magic number for cops not to give you a ticket for speeding. Now, it is not just the cops who will be enforcing the speed limit – our pocketbooks are doing the same thing.

Did you know that as speed increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially? So, that 10-over the speed limit on your cruise control just made your ‘fuel efficient car’ highly inefficient. Try driving the speed limit on the freeway for a week and see how much you save on fuel.

  • Try walking for a change

How many of us drive to the grocery store that is only about one to two miles away just to buy something that will fit in our pockets. Try walking to the grocery store at least once a week instead of driving to your gym to exercise. That 4-mile walk roundtrip from your home to the grocery store is a good cardio vascular exercise.

  • Avoid jackrabbit start.

Alright, you can’t be bothered to walk unless it’s for charity like the Susan G. Komen 10-K Walk / Run. At least avoid jackrabbit starts, a favorite among young drivers because they can feel the power of the car. Jackrabbit starts are an obvious fuel-waster — but that doesn’t mean you should crawl away from every light.

If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift early to keep the revs down, but don’t lug the engine — downshift if you need to accelerate.

  • Try to keep a constant speed.

Accelerating, then decelerating just because you want to get to where you’re going faster, i.e., weaving to traffic, cutting off other vehicles seem like fun, but it is a waste of fuel. Just go with the flow of traffic and you’ll find out that city driving might be as fuel efficient as interstate driving.

  • Keep up with your car maintenance schedule.

This might sound advertising for your garage, but truly, a well-maintained car is fuel-efficient. Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires are one of the most commonly ignored causes of crummy MPG. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for every 10 degree drop).

Change your air filter regularly and have your oil change at the appointed mileage or time. All of these things are done like clockwork by your mechanic and/ or dealership. In fact, they even call or email you to remind you of your monthly check up if you want them to. Still, these are things you can do yourself if you feel like it or have the knowledge. But, if you’re like me, I only know how to drive. I let the mechanic do the maintenance.

Do you have any other fuel saving tips? Tell our kababayans by leaving a comment.