More Ways to Combat Increasing Gas Prices
Additional Tips to Offset Outrageous Gas Prices
As many of you know, this isn’t the first post we’ve done on combating increasing gas prices. However, since gas prices only seem to be heading skyward, I figured it would benefit everyone if we provided even more tips on ways to combat these increasing gas prices. So if you’re in need of some gas-saving advice, look no further. We’ve got the information you’ve been searching for.
The A/C Debate
When you run the air conditioning in your car, it’s putting extra strain on the engine and this extra strain equates to increased fuel usage. However, in some instances driving with your windows open may cause increased drag which can also equate to increased fuel consumption. Does this mean you’re destined to bake in your car with your windows up and your A/C off in order to minimize the impact of increasing gas prices? Thankfully not.
While you’re in town driving at slower speeds, keep you A/C off and your windows open. At lower speeds, the drag on your car from the open windows isn’t likely going to be enough to affect your fuel efficiency. However, when you’re on the highway driving at higher speeds, keep your windows up and your A/C on.
Keep Your Load Light
If you’re anything like me, your golf clubs may find permanent residence in the trunk of your car and if you’re like my wife, the sand bags meant to offer better traction during the winter never make their way out of the car during the warmer months. However, if you want to combat increasing gas prices, you’re going to want to make sure heavy items don’t stay in your car any longer than they have to. The lighter your car is, the less fuel it will use.
Avoid Stopping
Okay, when I say avoid stopping, I don’t mean throw the kids from a rolling car when dropping them off at their destinations or making your mother in law run to catch up to the car when picking her up (as tempting as that may be at times). However, if you see a red light see if you can slow down before it turns green rather than coming to a complete stop. Speeding up from five miles an hour will use less gas than starting from a complete stop.