6 Ways to Pump Up the Mileage in a Down Economy
Written by Alison Thomas
FleetMatics occasionally publishes guest posts with helpful content for business owners and fleet managers. We're happy to introduce author Cindy Mason, who has some helpful tips on how to reduce mileage simply by adjusting a few driving behaviors. Cindy Mason is a content contributor for autoinsurancecomparison.org which covers rate quotes for the east coast, including Maryland auto insurance.
Gas prices have crept up in the past few years, and now the price per gallon surpasses that of a tall Caramel Macchiato in many places. Instead of deciding between your morning coffee and your main mode of transportation, or having to balance your hot “cup of Joe” on your bicycle handlebars, try some of these tips to get the most mileage out of your next fill-up.
Change the Way You Drive
Driving at 55 mph is much more fuel-efficient than driving at 75 mph. Of course, you don’t want to drive below the speed limit and be a hazard to other drivers. But you also don’t need to drive 15 mph over the speed limit just to reach your destination a few minutes earlier. Slow down and mellow out on the road, stay to the right and you’ll save gas.
Change the Way You Stop
Drivers who go with the flow are more likely to save gas than those who drive more aggressively. You know that annoying guy on the highway who accelerates to tailgate the car in front of him, brakes hard when he gets too close, and accelerates again when traffic starts moving faster? You can take a little satisfaction in the fact that he is shelling out quite a bit for gas. Accelerating quickly uses more gas than coasting along with your own momentum. Brake lightly unless you have to make a complete stop; less acceleration will get you back up to speed and you’ll save fuel.
Cut Down Your Idle
When your car idles for more than 30 seconds, it’s wasting gas. Unless you’re in traffic and might need to move at a moment’s notice, turn off your car if you will be stopped for more than 30 seconds. If you’re not driving an older vehicle, you don’t need to warm up your car for more than 30 seconds in the winter, either. A great way to monitor idle times is with a GPS fleet tracking system. Turn off your car and save gas.
Change Your Route
The fastest route to your destination is not always budget friendly. If your usual drive to work involves a lot of stop signs or traffic lights, you’re likely wasting gas. Is there a less direct but smoother way to get there? If you can maintain a steady speed on a slightly longer route, you will definitely get more mileage out of a tank of gas.
Gas prices aren’t going to drop any time soon, and until you can afford a more fuel-efficient vehicle, try to change your habits to get more gas mileage out of the car you currently own. It’s all about moderation. Don’t go into town several times a day. Don’t use your air conditioner too much, don’t drive with all your windows down, either—it causes fuel-guzzling drag. Don’t go too fast, don’t stop too much, do drive more smoothly and more efficiently, and you’ll see the savings add up.
*Photo credit: Company Fleet by Tim Walker/flickr
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- Categorized under: Driver Performance, Environment, Fleet Tracking, Fuel Savings, Guest Post, Small Business, Tips
