Make every drop of gas work for you
Posted
May 07 2008, 01:59 PM
by
Donna Freedman
Rating:
If only there were a magic pill that would give us 100 miles per gallon. Well, there isn't. "Frustrated Monk" uses a mix of strategies to get the most bang for the four bucks.
He drives 60 mph even if the speed limit is higher. The reader says that doing this earns him an extra three or four miles per gallon in his three different vehicles. Monk also keeps the car tuned up, checks the tire inflation, uses cruise control (except in hilly areas) and has removed any the junk from the trunk.
Although he's proposing working from home more often, on days when he does drive in he avoids the rush hour. "This alone improves my gas mileage by about 10%." It was because of the commute that he bought his third vehicle, a Honda Fit. The gas savings, he says, amount to about half the monthly car payment.
Not everyone has the option of adding a fuel-efficient vehicle to the family stable. But if you're thinking of replacing a car, or buying your first one, remember that mileage is a big issue. You'll want to buy yourself a tire gauge, too.
Read more on MSN Money:
Finally, the truth about gas mileage
Fuel economy tips
Keep your old clunker or buy a new car?
