Would You Like To Save Money On Fuel... Listen Up

My previous vehicle was a sports car, which got about 20 miles to the gallon.

In 2004 I decided that I wanted to not only save money on gas, but to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible for each mile that I

drive.

So I traded in the sports car and bought a Honda Insight.

It now has 140,000 miles on it and it is still getting over 50 miles to the gallon.

I visit the gas station about once every three weeks.

Save Money On Fuel... Buy A Hybrid

If you are looking to save money on fuel, my first recommendation, of course, would be

to purchase a hybrid.

My Honda Insight gets gas mileage that is almost three times better than most SUVs on

the road.

Since I purchased my hybrid in 2004, there are now a lot more choices for new car

buyers to choose from to fit any set of needs and lifestyle.

It is the middle of summer here in Texas and of course the temperatures are in the high

90’s outside.

One way to save gas is to not use your air conditioning.

This is not very practical at this time of the year.

However, with a hybrid, the vehicle engine will stop running when you bring the vehicle to a stop at a red light and this will save you money as your vehicle is not idling while you

wait for the light to change.

Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained And You Will Save Money On Fuel

Another way to save money on fuel is to make sure that your

vehicle is running properly.

To some this is counter intuitive, as some drivers put off maintenance as a potential

way to save money.

This approach to car ownership will in fact end up costing vehicle owners more money

on fuel as the engine has to work harder when it is not running efficiently.

The truth of the matter is that if I wanted my hybrid to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, it would require a steep grade and

a tailwind.

So I do not speed.

From my vantage point I am constantly seeing the rear ends of vehicles as they

speed past me on the freeway.

Our vehicles are designed to work most fuel efficiently at 60 mph when we are driving on

a freeway.

For every 5 mph above that speed we are asking our engines to work much harder and as a result we are getting much less mileage

per gallon.

So my final tip for those who want to save money on fuel, is to slow down, enjoy the

scenery and smell the roses.