Drivers are powerless when it comes to gas prices. While they continue to rise to heights unseen before, we still need gasoline to get us to and from work and carry out our daily chores. The best we can do is try to economize our usage as much as we can. For most drivers, this consists of curbing how many trips we take and distances we travel. It does not occur to many of us that the speed at which we drive plays a significant role in fuel consumption.
Society is high paced. There are careers, children's sports events and grocery trips, just to mention a few, to take care of. Trying to cram all these responsibilities into an ever decreasing amount of time means you feel pressure to always be in a hurry to be on time for the next obligation. This also means that we probably drive at higher speeds to make deadlines. Unfortunately, this is costing us in fuel consumption.
If you drive in excess of 70 miles per hour consistently, your fuel usage adds up to a substantial amount which, in turn, equals high gas expenses. Most vehicles are built to operate at optimum fuel efficiency at approximately 55 miles per hour. This can translate into higher fuel costs, especially if your vehicle is a van, pickup truck or sports utility vehicle which are noted for burning gas at a greater rate. Gas prices have exceeded $4.00 a gallon in most parts of the nation. This creates a hefty gas bill if you are forced to make frequent trips to fuel up.
The thought of slowing down does not appeal to some drivers. They feel they are not keeping up with traffic flow and do not relish the idea of travelling in the slow lane. Try to focus on the realization that by slowing down you are saving money. You will benefit yourself directly with this change of driving habit and it will make itself evident by the increased length of time in between fill ups.
If you find you cannot drive at 55 miles per hour, even slowing your speed by ten miles per hour will be of help. For some people the concept of 55 miles per hour is unbearable. Reducing your speed by the suggested 10 miles per hour will still provide you with savings, although not as pronounced as if you travelled 55 miles per hour. Do your best to find a compromise you are comfortable with.
Also some forethought will help in reducing your speed. If you leave a few minutes earlier than you would normally, you will still arrive on time with less stress and increased gas mileage. Two great benefits!
There are other advantages to slowing down too. First of all, you are likely to avoid receiving a traffic infraction and expensive fine. Secondly, the odds that you or someone else will be injured, or even worse, in an accident will be decreased. This advice not only will save you money but also safeguard you from potential injury.
Driving at a lower speed, preferably 55 miles per hour, has been proven to reduce fuel consumption. You will appreciate the savings.
For more information on simple methods to keep off the gas pump as well as soft-pedaling-for-better-mileage when you visit http://www.savefuelmilage.com, the premier resources on ways to increase and improve gas mileage
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