Lead-free. Better Gas Mileage.

The simplest of choices seem to provide more life lessons----more opportunities to grow.

Gas prices are killing me. I realize we in the U.S. have enjoyed a life of luxury as far as gas prices are concerned (compared with other countries), but with my daily commute to my kid's school my minuscule budget is dwindling quickly.

I'm trying to find every little method to stretch my gas mileage.

What can I change? Here are a few proven tips:

• Travel at 55 mph (increases mileage by 25% over 75 mph)!
• Use cruise control
• Make sure tires are properly inflated
• Maintain a clean air filter (increases mileage 10%)
• Use synthetic oil (better lubrication) & keep up with needed maintenance
• Keep car windows closed. Though A/C decreases mpg, the aerodynamic reduction from open windows decreases your mpg more than using your A/C with the windows closed.
• Reduce the weight you're carrying (no this isn't a reason to go on a diet! But hey, that might be next!)
• Remove anything that reduces the aerodynamics of your car (roof racks, etc)
• Slowly accelerate from stops

My step-mom pointed out that in the last gas crisis the public slowed down to increase gas mileage---everyone was trying to do their part. I'm not a speedracer but I do tend to follow along with the crowd on the highway and that crowd travels at quite a high clip.

I wondered what would happen if I set my cruise control at 55 mph. Would I be forced off the road? I knew it offered an opportunity to watch human nature...

And here's where I noticed something about myself... I don't like to displease others---even if those others are anonymous drivers on the highway. That's where the lesson in all of this was for me. I tend to follow along too much. Even the thought of creating an obstacle for other drivers seemed like something I couldn't quite do-----what if all those other drivers honked their horns at me or flipped me off? You see, that pleasing nature of mine runs deep.

But I did it. I'm doing it. When I hit the highway, I set my cruise control at 55 mph and stick to it. It's almost like a little goal of mine. Sure, I get passed like I'm standing still and I definitely witness many sour looks but somehow I relish in my own little personal goal----a goal of sticking to what I want and attempting to reduce my fuel bill, at least a little...

Comments

[tiennie]

Great tips!

[Dallas]

There was a really interesting video on YouTube by some local college students who tested what would happen if they drove the 55mph limit on the beltline around Atlanta. They lined up their cars so no one could pass, and then drove the speed limit all the way around. People went crazy, driving off the road and even clipping a broken down car just to get around them. By the way, what is the coin from? It's got a neat design on it.

[randi]

I didn't know that driving with the windows up helps to save on gas. That is good news since just today I was thinking we would forgo the air conditioning this summer and drive with windows down. Now we get to save gas AND be cool! Yessss!

I think it is great that you are being a trend setter!

[Blue Castle]

Where I live, the interstate speed limit is 75. My dear hubby goes 65. We get passed - a lot. And dirty looks too. But it doesn't really bother me anymore. I feel safer going slower. However, if I lived in a big city, it would be hard to go 55 or slower than everyone else. Out here in no-man's-land we don't have lots of traffic, but I have lived in bigger cities and it would be dangerous to go slower than the mob. Kudos on not going with the flow. It take guts to be different. :)

[Pam]

I agree with Kirsten that in some places, it could be dangerous to drive 55. I know that when I had to drive down from the Cascade Mtns to our home on the little spare (nothing like a flat tire in outside of Packwood on Labor Day), I felt pretty vulnerable driving slowly down the highway. On the other hand, traffic just swooped around me -- it simplified driving, because everyone passed me.

[Sarah]

I have been preconditioning with kids backpacking around town with such anticipation of fuel price escalating. So far, it has been good. Life lessons aplenty...we sure miss alot when traveling in vehicles. Our oldest built a wagon to pull along for grocery shopping or our 7-year-old when he is tired. It's all good. Another action we took: map out ahead of time places we need to be and pack them in one trip if possible. It takes mindful planning and is certainly a process...but, we do see a difference.

[Kerstin]

Amber, I have to admit, I get totally annoyed by people who "crawl" along the highway! I am sure that's the German in me who wants to move along swiftly and shakes her head in disbelief at such snail-like paces. But next time I pass someone like that I promise I will think of you and be more understanding as I am sure there are others who are trying to preserve cash this way.

How we will get out of this crisis being such a car-dependent society I do not know. Is there any way you could car pool with other parents?

By the way, you don't strike me as a "pleaser" but rather someone who is just a good person with strong values, trying to do what is right. And that sometimes means traveling along at 55 mph.

[Becky]

Last week I had a flat tire and had to use the little "donut" spare to drive the 85 miles from Sea-Tac airport home. There is a warning on the spare not to exceed 50 mph, so I poked along at 50 and only inconvenienced a few folks (granted, it was v. late at night) but I too felt uncomfortable believing that other drivers were angered by my slow pace.
I've been pining away for a new Toyota Rav 4, which gets about the same mileage as my old 1992 Subaru wagon, but anymore, I can not in clear conscience buy an SUV. We are now looking at the Camry Hybrid.
Good luck, I feel your pain.

[Renna]

My husband (who does most of our highway driving) also keeps it at 55mph, for that same reason. It does aggravate other drivers at times, I'm sure, and it tries the patience of others who may be riding along with him/us. Those who are aggravated by it are not paying for our gas, though. We are, and that's reason enough for us to slow down.

[Jody]

Congrats on going 55 - I am also one of those people who follows the crowd. I may have to try this out too - thanks for the stats!

[Ellen]

Good for you! I need to start applying some little goals like that for myself as well. Here's something too that might cheer you up - come and see my giveaway (yes, another one).

[Taryn]

I understand completely about the pressure of displeasing others on the road. I am amazed sometimes that even when I'm driving as fast as the speed limit allows, I'll still get the person who angrily passes and gives me the look. I want to shout out- but you aren't allowed to be mad at me! I'm going as fast as the law allows! How dare you make me feel like I need to break the law!

But I don't. And they keep doing it.

Really I don't drive much if it weren't for my commute to school. Luckily next semester all my classes will be online so I can seriously cut back on the driving.

Good for you for sticking with your guns.

[kirsten]

see, that's a tough one. where i live, the speed limit on the highway is 65, but everyone goes 70+. everyone. so going 55 would actually be dangerous, i think.

i just try to drive less, and when i have to go out i run the errands that are on the way to my destination - consolidating trips makes a difference.