How will gas prices affect driving practices?

I can say with authority that the price-per-gallon of gasoline has an effect on our driving habits. I know, because even my naturally leaden foot has lightened somewhat in light of $50 fill-ups. After plopping down half a C-note per tank, I am having a hard time using a hard push on the accelerator — in fact, I find myself operating the go-pedal as if there’s an egg under my shoe.

It’s a good thing if higher gas prices affect our driving behavior, making us more efficient operators, but more on that in a bit. What about our vehicle buying patterns? Last week, the price-per-gallon of unleaded hit an all-time high — gasoline in many parts of the country was selling for more than $3 per gallon. But at the same time, with “employee pricing,” trucks and SUVs were the most popular vehicles on the lots. Industry analysts are dumbfounded — when will the fuel prices begin to affect the buying habits of American consumers? Will the new norm of $3-a-gallon gas do it, or will it take a hike to $5 or $7 to precipitate a change? I don’t have the answer, but I really wonder what it will take to lessen our love affair with the big rigs.

One can go abroad for some sneak-peeks of our future. For example, right now in London, England, a gallon of petrol goes for about $7.50 — over there, personal cars are quite small, and even commercial trucks are smaller diesel-powered rigs. Of course, we are Americans, many of whom adhere to a bigger-is-better philosophy, so it will be interesting to see if buying trends will ever waver.

There are many efficiency-related factors to remember when deciding on a new vehicle. On a given vehicle, 4-wheel drive uses more fuel than 2-wheel drive, automatic transmissions are less efficient than manuals, smaller engines generally out-mileage bigger ones, lighter (shorter bed, smaller cab) options improve mileage, and light-colored interiors and exteriors reduce the need for air conditioning use.

Short of switching vehicles, though, we can employ vehicle ownership and operational practices that will save fuel. Average annual fuel use in the U.S. is over 600 gallons per vehicle — we can improve on that.

Regular servicing of your vehicle is important. Check your tire pressure regularly — inflate to the manufacturer’s psi recommendation found on the sticker in the glove box, on the door jamb, or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum shown on the tire sidewall. Spark plugs, air filter, gas filter, and other tune-up related items must be in good condition to maximize fuel mileage — a faulty oxygen sensor can reduce mileage by over 30 percent.

A non-working thermostat may waste fuel and increase emissions by not allowing an engine to reach proper operating temperature. A dragging brake pad in a stuck caliper is not that uncommon, and can “kill” your fuel mileage. Even clean oil of the proper viscosity will aid fuel efficiency — don’t use heavier weights than recommended.

Driving behavior has a profound effect on your vehicle’s efficiency — good habits will save you money. Avoid quick starts and stops — continuous lead-foot acceleration can reduce your mileage by 30 percent or more. Know the starting procedure for your vehicle, don’t idle excessively (you get 0 mpg while still), and avoid revving the engine to warm it up. Depart shortly after starting your car — warm-up takes place faster under light load (25-35 mph), and an engine that is fully warm gets better mileage, while minimizing emissions. Maintain speeds as steady as possible by looking ahead and anticipating stops. Use cruise control when you can — it’s usually steadier than your foot.

If you own more than one vehicle, use the most economical one whenever you can.

Since about 75 percent of all driving is for errands and shopping, try to consolidate these trips when possible, or even try to find one location for multiple tasks, such as grocery shopping, banking, and other stops. Use the phone or computer to pre-shop, so your outings are more efficient. Lighten your load by removing non-essential items from your vehicle’s passenger compartment, trunk, and cargo area.

Check your owner’s manual for recommended fuel — if regular (87 octane) is all you need, spending money on mid-grade or premium wastes money and may even adversely affect performance.

Of course, the greatest fuel savings are had by not driving at all — cut back where you can with careful planning, car-pooling, and public transportation. And don’t forget, if you can walk or ride a bicycle, do so now and then — miles-per and price-per gallon will not be a concern, and they both offer great exercise to boot!

Readers, your input is outstanding — lots of very reasoned responses — thanks, and please keep it coming.