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Author	Topic: What have you been doing lately to save on gas that you haven't done before or as much.	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Mikeoids Champion Author Columbus Posts:16,745 Points:3,390,805 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Mar 25, 2011 3:39:37 PM Ignore Mikeoids Report Abuse I coast to an intersection when the light is red and hope to still be rolling when the light turns green.

Mikeoids

Champion Author
Columbus

Posts:16,745
Points:3,390,805
Joined:Jun 2003

Message Posted: Mar 25, 2011 3:39:37 PM

Ignore Mikeoids Report Abuse

I coast to an intersection when the light is red and hope to still be rolling when the light turns green.

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tankerCA Champion Author Chico Posts:2,565 Points:352,895 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 17, 2012 7:36:33 AM Ignore tankerCA Report Abuse more planning - fewer 'joy' rides, more use of GPS to avoid getting lost.
tankerCA Champion Author Chico Posts:2,565 Points:352,895 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 17, 2012 7:34:47 AM Ignore tankerCA Report Abuse bought a more economical vehicle.
traffic cop Champion Author Boston Posts:1,236 Points:532,220 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Dec 16, 2012 10:09:29 PM Ignore traffic cop Report Abuse I dont drive as much, not for personal reasons, anyway. And when I do I'm sure to combine errands in an efficient loop. Which is also telling Obama and Bernanke, "Your economy sucks!"
13Octane Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,147 Points:332,165 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 5:57:14 PM Ignore 13Octane Report Abuse nothing really.
skidsteer85xt Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,541 Points:182,800 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:06:20 PM Ignore skidsteer85xt Report Abuse look for cheaper gas
W707 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,453 Points:399,490 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Dec 6, 2012 11:26:54 AM Ignore W707 Report Abuse Dont make any needless trips
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Dec 6, 2012 11:05:31 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse When first in position leaving a light on going green I bump away briskly in 1st gear and then ease back as my vehicle shifts to 2nd than also gaining cruise speed gradually going up in the higher gears. Not accellarating to leave tire wear,but taking advantage of the extra torque provided to the drive wheels in low gear which takes less engine energy,yes rpms come up for a very short interval but speed does also (reasonable 0-25 MPH speed). Remember once the auto tranny shifts to higher gearing the engine simply takes much longer to reach the higher cruise speed,it needs more energy torque to clime to the top tranny gearing. Gradually saves fuel. This technique isn't new news,two of my relatives drove with std. trannys by going from low gear into high if not in a hurry but reaching 25-30 mph. often by gradual increase after using a brisk punch in low gear. 2nd gear got used on resuming to 50-60 mph where demanded,but drivers at that time swore/talked gas savings on that theory,(Low to High). Those vehicles all had very low 1st gear ratios during the 30's until the mid 50's,those trannys often produced a whine in low and in reverse using longer stroke engines also because of their heavy weight. Old vehicles all but updraft carbs mostly had pump-shots active each time the go-pedel was pressed down(squirting fuel out to the carb similiar to a child's play water squirt-gun,Really ! Saving 2nd gear pump-shot squirts saved some fuel,back then even. HAGDay!
DanFMA Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,091 Points:1,068,485 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 4, 2012 10:24:24 AM Ignore DanFMA Report Abuse Slower starts and planned stops. [Edited by: DanFMA at 12/4/2012 10:25:34 AM EST]
jrferrari All-Star Author Orlando Posts:652 Points:172,590 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Dec 3, 2012 9:10:11 AM Ignore jrferrari Report Abuse Using my bike a little more for local trips. Tryiing to combine trips and only taking them when necessary.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Dec 3, 2012 9:05:08 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse When driving std trannys I have stopped down-shifting using Engine Compression to decell,that makes for longer brake lineing wear,but spins engine RPMs upward,extra clutch action wear,higher vaccum benefits,but maybe more fuel gets sucked into the engine threw idle circuits(older vehicles only). Might be a 50/50 outcome here?
hrspwr77 Champion Author Georgia Posts:1,478 Points:120,585 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 10:25:32 AM Ignore hrspwr77 Report Abuse If I don't NEED to go, I stay home.
jrferrari All-Star Author Orlando Posts:652 Points:172,590 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 4:19:58 PM Ignore jrferrari Report Abuse I try to anticipate changes in speed and accelerate smoothly. I'm also riding my bike more to things close by my home.
chie Rookie Author Bakersfield Posts:27 Points:2,145 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 10:27:58 AM Ignore chie Report Abuse I try to not idle as much if I drive up to an atm. I'll turn the car off while I do my transaction, I've unloaded the car of stuff I don't so I don't carry around extra weight. I try to make all my errands in one trip. I don't drive with the windows down if I go over 40mph. My tires are at the correct psi.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 10:10:46 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Well I looked into the rear vehicle storage area,removed two jugs of wind shield antifreeze,two small umbrellas,a box of misc.auto junk that had not been used,transfered to shelfs in garage also a spare folding lawn chair,three ice scrapers, and a walking stick. Now I expect a fuel savings through this Winter season where stop/go driving is a regular repeated trend.
PatAZ Champion Author Tucson Posts:9,227 Points:122,020 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 9:48:38 AM Ignore PatAZ Report Abuse Nothing
1007 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:560 Points:993,525 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 6:12:30 PM Ignore 1007 Report Abuse I drive slower
KansasGunman Champion Author Kansas City Posts:21,433 Points:2,104,380 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 5:42:18 PM Ignore KansasGunman Report Abuse Not a thing, the price of gas is what it is...what are you going to do when it's double the price it is now and it will be eventually and we're prepared regardless of the outcome. Best advice...if you aren't prepared for the future now then do something about it now or the word "hosed" won't even begin to describe your predicament.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 4:03:21 PM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Only drove 5 miles for ThangsGiv... get to gether meal.Pick-up truck is seldom used,once in two weeks,post office,hair-cut,personal shopping all in one trip including fuel top off,no black Friday shopping...
ranger2k All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:791 Points:92,275 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 3:38:33 PM Ignore ranger2k Report Abuse haven't driven in almost a week
Browndog73 Rookie Author Toronto Posts:80 Points:10,290 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 27, 2011 8:01:57 AM Ignore Browndog73 Report Abuse I just parked my truck and maybe use it once in a week or twice if needed. I use to drive it every day but with the soaring cost of gas, just can't afford it. Its a pay off I don't have to replace parts my truck will last longer, tires at this rate will last a hell of a lot longer. Less oil changes works for me. As far as I am concerned I hope they who ever it is that controls these ridiculous oil prices, GETS TO EAT THEIR OIL. Then I am hoping that the price of crude drops to the point where these people start jumping out of their windows.
CactusBobs Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,721 Points:485,775 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Apr 26, 2011 11:28:04 PM Ignore CactusBobs Report Abuse THIS , MUCH MORE THAN BEFORE (copy and paste link )> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtyWEzuCIrw
gougedQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:5,130 Points:69,885 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 26, 2011 10:38:27 PM Ignore gougedQC Report Abuse in addition, I take public transit now, about 95% of the time.
binkhouse Veteran Author Tucson Posts:468 Points:46,045 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 24, 2011 1:10:08 AM Ignore binkhouse Report Abuse check GB before I fill up.
n4tacon Sophomore Author North Carolina Posts:119 Points:36,465 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2011 8:55:41 PM Ignore n4tacon Report Abuse Turn my A/C off (when possible), coast more, car pool... Just anything I can think of at this point.
happymar Sophomore Author Phoenix Posts:176 Points:11,555 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2011 7:59:16 PM Ignore happymar Report Abuse staying home more ordering online
gougedQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:5,130 Points:69,885 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2011 6:03:46 PM Ignore gougedQC Report Abuse me too, with my daily driver.. shift into neutral and coast when going down hills, and towards stops and red lights.. you can coast a great distance... saves a lot on gas, and on brake wear...and after many years, no problems with the auto trans also accelerate much more slowly, and keep the speed down on the highway below the limit. also add an extra pressure in tires, 35-40 psi.
billymac296 Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,264 Points:733,420 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2011 9:53:24 AM Ignore billymac296 Report Abuse Changed a lot of my driving habits. I coast more, idle less, and drive much easier. It does make a difference.
silverG Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,864 Points:1,339,660 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2011 8:43:06 AM Ignore silverG Report Abuse Really waiting a day or two and combine local trips instead of daily trips.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2011 5:09:30 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Where the shoppings speed zones are 25-45 mph. I always keep extra distance from vehicles in front when moving,the other traffic will always do what they want anyway,(dart from lane to lane). This practice keeps my momentum steady with less braking/go pedel pressing. Some times one behind gets stressed but thats their way of life daily,so they complain about gas costs but don't get it,can't or refuse to learn,whatever? Yes I speed up when the lights are going green,like everyone else 5 above at times,then there are the ones dragging along yacking phone style 10 mph. under, driving with two fingers, same areas, So I don't worry about the sillies behind! "Saving fuel my way" LOL
CptSteve Champion Author Illinois Posts:13,171 Points:2,641,215 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Apr 22, 2011 10:50:03 PM Ignore CptSteve Report Abuse Work from home.
Cadillacguy Rookie Author Ontario Posts:21 Points:7,540 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 9, 2011 11:45:50 PM Ignore Cadillacguy Report Abuse even when gas was cheap I was doing everything I could to save gas.. i get 13mpg as it is in the city... my best answer to my self is no joy riding, no driving around to places I don't need to go, no leaving to city for no good reason. i mostly just use my car now to go to work and get food, and the odd bit of shopping but I tend to do it when I am already out and driving it. I would drive more but I been saving my money. and my car can eat away at it fast!!!!!!!!!!
myZoomZoom3 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:1,268 Points:146,910 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2011 5:54:52 PM Ignore myZoomZoom3 Report Abuse I'll also coast to a red light even more so when no one is behind me. Also, when the light turns green go easy on the gas instead of stomping on it!
thebrohta167 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,454 Points:233,565 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2011 4:52:32 PM Ignore thebrohta167 Report Abuse same thing i do all the time, limit driving as much as possible. in addition, the usual, speed limit adherence, coasting to intersections, gentle acceleration, ect
Allan2010 Champion Author Alberta Posts:1,204 Points:243,525 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2011 4:02:08 PM Ignore Allan2010 Report Abuse I definitely keep to the posted speed limit
olebufnav Champion Author Omaha Posts:3,955 Points:1,019,230 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2011 3:39:04 PM Ignore olebufnav Report Abuse Have driven my wife's car more since it gets better millage than my mini-van.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2011 7:01:21 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse The Wife and I have teamed up on driving one vehicle when shopping. Instead of driving two seperate vehicles,we take the most fuel effcient,(a 4 cyl. 2 litre),and I drive because she hasen't quite mastered all the fuel saving techniques. She is more Hurry prone(faster)is better say her sublimtel voices,Ha... If we have a large list, shopping is about 5 mile away,with a short list of items,shopping is done at two local areas at 1.7% higher prices,but .75 mile away,but seldom eat out (this choice). Mini-Malls do help some times on fuel savings(depends on traffic/day?)
jetta_gia Veteran Author Toronto Posts:279 Points:240,340 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2011 6:01:56 AM Ignore jetta_gia Report Abuse Keep my shift points under 2000 rpm. I stay at a 100km/h on the highway.
tlenker Rookie Author Indianapolis Posts:26 Points:198,980 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2011 10:53:55 AM Ignore tlenker Report Abuse Hyper-miling. I stay under 2000 rpm during entire one hour commute. Hard to do, but I save.
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,015 Points:1,852,695 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Apr 3, 2011 8:55:41 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse i don't need to commute; i lost my job!
binkhouse Veteran Author Tucson Posts:468 Points:46,045 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2011 12:38:45 PM Ignore binkhouse Report Abuse checking GB before I fill up.
Boyrr Champion Author Allentown Posts:15,160 Points:3,159,880 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2011 10:58:09 AM Ignore Boyrr Report Abuse not much really, i always have only used my machine when I have to go to work. I combine trips, don't speed, not much I can change.
jimmy544 Champion Author Boston Posts:4,074 Points:649,855 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2011 9:20:53 AM Ignore jimmy544 Report Abuse I have been doing most of the things mentioned here and have been combining trips and driving a whole less. It helps to live where there is public transit so if there is no cargo I either walk or take the T.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2011 7:36:32 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse This won't be noticeable at first,but if the weather is not cold,try hooking your safety belt,adjust mirrors,and seat,tune music system,ETC.before starting engine. Over time the fuel savings will be noticed. Cold weather,I understand the habit of wanting to get heat by starting the engine first,it's only logical,but..... Many times it is necessary because of the time span vehicle has stood hot/cold conditions. It's one of the simpler things one can do with minimum effort.
Snake96 Rookie Author Orange County Posts:30 Points:67,230 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2011 11:58:42 PM Ignore Snake96 Report Abuse Limit Driving & watch speed, coast to stop at lights & ease away from stops (instead of accelerating fast).
DasAuto92 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,443 Points:174,025 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2011 11:27:47 PM Ignore DasAuto92 Report Abuse For one i am not pushing my RPM'S when i shift.I used to shift @ 3,000-3,300 but now i'm down to about 2,500.And i'm doing the speed limit. [Edited by: DasAuto92 at 4/1/2011 11:28:23 PM EST]
CobraJ All-Star Author Tampa Posts:998 Points:376,085 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 31, 2011 9:38:36 PM Ignore CobraJ Report Abuse Same as what others have said (i.e. coasting to a red lights, speeding up gradually, planning out trips, driving the posted speed limits, etc.). Also I'm avoiding excessive idling by not going through any type of drive thru, such as at a fast food restaurant or bank. Sitting there waiting while the engine is running, especially when there's a whole line of cars, just eats up gas so I just go inside instead. I know it's dangerous, but I've been drafting behind 18-wheelers on occasion. [Edited by: CobraJ at 3/31/2011 9:39:55 PM EST]
Sipusa All-Star Author Sacramento Posts:632 Points:124,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 31, 2011 12:20:33 PM Ignore Sipusa Report Abuse I have just started going 2-3 miles below the speed limit on highways. Coasting to a red light and hoping that it becomes green when I get there seems to work too. From a total stop, I also have started to speed up gradually. I am telling you this is hard work as I ma totally not used to it.
bluemirage188 Rookie Author Connecticut Posts:48 Points:43,285 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 28, 2011 12:58:55 PM Ignore bluemirage188 Report Abuse i regularly coast on long downhills, when im unloaded, and take advantage of "off accelerator" situations normally. I am now driving slower and using my cruise control when on the highway. Also planning out trips with the assistance of gasbuddy pricing on fuel. I wont go far out of my way to get cheaper fuel, but i'll plan to get it at the cheapest/closest station around.
GoGoGoodyear Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,046 Points:504,470 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 27, 2011 12:20:49 AM Ignore GoGoGoodyear Report Abuse All of those things others said, and mostly driving much much less. Not much reason to drive when I don't have a job. I recently looked at my gas receipts and with so little driving I went over a month without putting gas in my truck.
binkhouse Veteran Author Tucson Posts:468 Points:46,045 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Mar 26, 2011 10:09:28 PM Ignore binkhouse Report Abuse turn off the car when I'm stuck a while, sold one car, looking for a much more economical one.