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        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> I'm saving gas by driving slower
        
(Message started by: MikkaB on May 23^rd, 2007, 11:57am)

Title: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by MikkaB on May 23^rd, 2007, 11:57am

Lately I've been keeping my speed down to 60-65 mph. On my last tank of gas, I got almost 35 mpg!!! (I drive a 2000 Chevy Cavalier with 124k miles on it)

spread the word - driving slower saves gas!

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Brewcrew on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:08pm

Good for you, MikkaB.

So, you taking us out to dinner with the savings? ;;D

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by artonio7 on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:25pm

on 05/23/07 at 11:57:24, MikkaB wrote:

Lately I've been keeping my speed down to 60-65 mph. On my last tank of gas, I got almost 35 mpg!!! (I drive a 2000 Chevy Cavalier with 124k miles on it)

spread the word - driving slower saves gas!

Imagine how much you'd save if you walked or rode a bike. ;;D

But seriously I do agree with you. With the price of gas these days it's seems ridiculous to not car pool. I just saw an article on the local news about how more and more people are using craigs list to find travel companions to defray their fuel costs.

With the money you save at the pumps you can press the paypal button at the bottom of the page or make a donation to O.U.C.H.

;;D

with warm regards,
Tony

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Lobster on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:29pm

I was with some buffoon the other day who added 25 minutes onto our trip with a detour to the next state over for gas.

He needed 11 gallons. He saved about $3.00. We probably burnt through $1.50 getting there.

Some people suck at math... annoyingly so.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by MikkaB on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:48pm

on 05/23/07 at 12:25:42, artonio7 wrote:

Imagine how much you'd save if you walked or rode a bike. ;;D

I would if I could, in a heartbeat. Unfortunately I live 12 miles from my daughter's daycare, and 25 miles from work. I'd love to find a job closer to home so I don't have to drive so much. Michigan doesn't make it easy at all for people to give up their vehicles. Did you know that there is no public transportation between Ann Arbor and Detroit? It's true. Nor is there public transportation to Detroit Metro Airport.

And I hate to tell you guys this but with the money I save at the pumps, I'm going to be buying food. :-/ I promise I'll donate some scrill when I can.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Brewcrew on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:51pm

on 05/23/07 at 12:48:56, MikkaB wrote:

And I hate to tell you guys this but with the money I save at the pumps, I'm going to be buying food.

So, you ARE going to be taking us out to dinner....

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Redd on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:55pm

Part of the demand on our gas supplies are because people have "non-negotiable" commutes to their jobs. I live less than a mile to work, however, I drive to and from customers every day. We get a $0.30/mile reimbursement. Doesn't come close to covering our costs when you figure wear and tear and insurance increase due to using the vehical for business purposes. UUGGGGHHHHH. Those people who can bike to work, hang there all day them bike home...please do.

The demands on some of our jobs prevent us from conserving.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by MikkaB on May 23^rd, 2007, 12:58pm

Redd the IRS reimursement rate is much higher than that now. How does your employer get away with that?

brewcrew do you know of a joint that serves Ramen? If so, we're there, my treat! ;;D

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by artonio7 on May 23^rd, 2007, 1:29pm

on 05/23/07 at 12:58:46, MikkaB wrote:

Redd the IRS reimursement rate is much higher than that now. How does your employer get away with that?

brewcrew do you know of a joint that serves Ramen? If so, we're there, my treat! ;;D

.....but wait.... ramen is not just for heat and eat anymore...
Bon Apetito! http://www.mattfischer.com/ramen/

;)

with warm regards,
Tony

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by jimmers on May 23^rd, 2007, 1:59pm

Pegg,

The reimbursement rate for mileage is I believe 48.5 cents per mile.

Unless you have an agreed upon rate with your company, they are not paying you enough.

jimmers

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Redd on May 23^rd, 2007, 2:37pm

Corporate sets the rate on a per period basis prior to the start of said period. And, I believe, this is a blanket rate across the US for everyone company wide.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Paul98 on May 23^rd, 2007, 3:01pm

Slowing down does help a lot. It takes 4X the energy to move a car at 90 than it does at 45 mph. Also the US has been sold a crock of sh.t as far as ethanol. e10 gas lowers the mpg by 10-20%. That right off the bat accounts for a rise of 15% gas consumption in the us since it's introduction in (mandated by the EPA) 1999. Want to cut gas consumption in the US by 15%? get rid of the ETOH!

-P.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on May 23^rd, 2007, 3:34pm

on 05/23/07 at 14:37:35, Redd wrote:

Corporate sets the rate on a per period basis prior to the start of said period. And, I believe, this is a blanket rate across the US for everyone company wide.

Redd, the Federal govt says it costs almost 50 cents per mile to use a car. You can write that off of your taxes.

If your company gives you 30 cents, you will be able to write off the other 20 cents.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by vietvet2tours on May 23^rd, 2007, 3:38pm

We measure fuel by the hour,not mpg.I drive real slow and it ain't helping.http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/vietvet2tours/7d9fc53fab0b65217b3dc94a50ddd599.jpg?t=1179946304

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Maffumatt on May 23^rd, 2007, 4:21pm

Gas prices are high? Haven't noticed, must have something to do with that company card..........Seriously though, fueled up the locomotive yesterday, 1500 gallons at $2.85 a gallon and thats off road. Normally I let it idle if its going to be an hour or two before I use it again, now I kill it.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Charlie on May 23^rd, 2007, 6:31pm

The guy driving the taxi yesterday was gonna buy a boat but is thinking twice now. Gas on the lake of course is always expensive. Probably approaching five bucks.

Charlie

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Kingjames1 on May 23^rd, 2007, 6:48pm

Quote:

a joint that serves Ramen?

Usually loaded with MSG, my trigger. Too bad, because it is cheap, convenient and tasty.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by stevegeebe on May 23^rd, 2007, 11:18pm

I'm starting my 4th week at a new firm on the Northshore. Part of the decision making process was that I wanted to reduce my carbon footprint. While driving into New Orleans five days a week garnered a larger paycheck, it seemed to not align with my changing attitude and concern toward the future of our childrens World.

I leave the house early, drive on a barely used back-road and drive as if there is an egg between the gas peddle and the floor-board. It is actually very pleasent ride through the country.

I have begun to learn how to grow my own food and how to feed the soil. I'm changing the way I think and it is based upon a no regrets policy.

Should Big Oil poke a hole in the soil of LA and hit new reserves that rivals Saudi Aramco, I won't care cause it'll be good all around. And if times get rough at least I know how to nourish the soil and grow some food to eat and I can pass this knowledge on to my daughter who may indeed need it more than I.

You know, the Fox who burnes more calories chasing the rabbit than the caught rabbit provides provides is a loosing proposition. Currently the only difference between Humans and that Fox is that the gap is being made up by the "inexpensive" stored energy in oil. When the price continues to climb,as it will, that gap will no longer be bridged as it is now.

Learn the benefits of composting.

Steve G

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Redd on May 23^rd, 2007, 11:51pm

Steve that is a wonderful life change you are making. Some of us aren't so lucky to have those choices. I was looking to purchase a home a while back. Something taht would keep me in my budget, and allow me to have my OWN space. Then it dawned on me, that my kids are going to on their own sooner than I care to think, and then all the yard work, and snow removal will be up to me. With the spinal arthritis getting worce by the second, this is not something I can take on at my age and in my condition. renting is going to have to be the way I go from here on out. No ability to have a garden, or to compost.

Great idea for those who can. We are the keepers of the world our children inherit. It IS up to us within our means to do our best to leave them something good.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on May 24^th, 2007, 12:23am

on 05/23/07 at 23:18:11, stevegeebe wrote:

Learn the benefits of composting.

Thats really great, bro. My Mom used to grow lots of food when i was young and then even started raising a pig or 2 for food. I enjoyed that.

I dont do any gardening for food, but I do have plenty of flowers and rhodies and lawn. What are the benefits of composting, and how do you do it?

Thanks
B$

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by MikkaB on May 24^th, 2007, 10:00am

kids who have a garden eat more than twice as many veggies when they are from the garden than they do store-bought veggies.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Redd on May 24^th, 2007, 2:19pm

I buy my veggies at the farmers market up the block here from the office.

Tomatos, summer squashes of all kinds, home grown heads of garlic. Beans, peas, carrots and corn. Cucumbers and fresh dill, peppers of all shapes and sizes and colors...yumm yummm..

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Charlie on May 24^th, 2007, 7:21pm

Yeah....veggies rule http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/pullup.gif

Charlie

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by stevegeebe on May 24^th, 2007, 10:39pm

When I decided to start a garden, there was an old man who lived across the street from me who had a mid-sized garden in his yard. With very little space some of his harvest found its way the the steps of my porch in a little bag.

I began my own garden and it failed compared to his. One day I went over to his land and discussed with him my results. He pointed his old bent-up finger at me and said, "feed the soil...not the plants". He then directed me to his compost bins and showed them to me and explained how he used leaves, grass clippings and kitchen waste and, over time and a little work, turned it into viable soil.

He died shortly after the Storm and I regret how long it took for me to visit with him and learn all he had to teach me. His wife, one day left a plastic bag on the steps containing all of the gardenig books he had collected over the years.

I refer to them all of the time now and picture him as if he were still here. I guess he is.

That's it B$. Feed the soil. And Redd, I'm truely sorry about your condition. Perhaps, if you want to, plant some of you favorites in a discarded plastic pots on the patio or balcony. Let me know if you do and how it goes.

I'm sorry for jacking this thread. It started out about fuel and I feel as if I am seen as an alarmist when this particular topic is posted. My little brother is a Geologist and I have been discounting his concerns for years as big brothers often do.

But I've been reading up on the possibilities of oil depletion and if some of these folks are right, us Humans are in for a world of hurt. Do you own reasearch. In particular Youtube Richard Heinberg. He is only one of many independent thinkers that provides a possible insight into the times ahead.

In closing, I must warn you that you may not want to hear what he and many others are predicting. It may not play out as they say but if it is only half true we are still headed for major changes.

We all really need to start now...a change. We can do this but we all need to know the truth in order to act as many.

Steve G

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by MikkaB on May 25^th, 2007, 9:46am

Hijack away, Steve. It's a huge issue for me, too.

I love that smiley, Charlie! ;;D

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by ccbiggsoo7 on Jun 14^th, 2007, 4:50am

get ya a k&n air filter it will be the best investment you ever made! added 50 miles to a tank of gas to my truck!

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Woobie on Jun 14^th, 2007, 9:06am

30 tips on how to save on gas!

The surest way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to change your motoring habits. Listed below under four categories are 30 effective methods of doing so... no need to buy expensive add-on equipment.

ENGINE WARM-UP
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.

3. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

4. Avoid "revving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

5. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY GASOLINE
6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

7. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.

8. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Woobie on Jun 14^th, 2007, 9:07am

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.

10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph gives you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.

11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse it along". However, if you cause the engine to "bog down", premature wearing of engine parts occurs.

13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.

15. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

GENERAL ADVICE
16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.

17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.

19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.

20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.

22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.

Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.

23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.

24. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!

25. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round.

**BUT - Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill. Use tire guage and know your vehicles correct tire pressure.
Check your tire pressure once a month.

When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.

Title: Re: I'm saving gas by driving slower
Post by Woobie on Jun 14^th, 2007, 9:07am

26. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body.

Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).

27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.

29. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.

30. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated!

Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.

EXTRA TIPS
Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)... Use graphite motor oil... Beware of oil additives, regardless of advertising claims... Add Marvel Mystery Oil into gas fill-ups... Investigate fuel/water injection methods and products... combine short errands into one trip... Use special gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines!

When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gasoline. Just get what you need ... maybe the price will go down tomorrow.