Driving well helps relieve gas pains

I haven’t met anyone yet who likes high gas prices — I guess that means I’ve not met any Exxon execs. But the price of gasoline was destined to head skyward — we drivers have caused a huge demand for the stinky liquid.

Does anyone remember the fuel shortage of ‘73? Yes, I know that many argue the validity of the supposed lack of supply, but for me, in Seattle, the supply was short, because 6 a.m. was too late too find fuel, and there was a 10-gallon limit.

If you remember that lack of supply, real or not, you may also remember that it spurred bicycle riding, carpooling, mass dumping of big-engine cars, and a 55 mph speed limit — that last one I detested, but vehicle economy is superior at 55 mph, when compared to fuel use at 70 mph.

The point is that we, as consumers, were working on the demand side of the economic equation — to lessen it. Our memories seem short. Since the early ‘90s, Americans have been working on the National fuel demand again — to increase it. Our insistence upon having trucks and SUVs as our main drivers over the last 15 years — vehicles that only get 9-19 miles per gallon — has greatly increased the demand for fuel. When demand is huge, prices go up. The blame is not with the oil companies.

And manufacturers only gave us what we asked for, but I wish they hadn’t. It’s just my opinion, but it seems that since vehicles from the 1950s got 15-20 miles per gallon, vehicles built 50 years later should be four to five times more efficient.

Saving Fuel

You can get the best economy from what you’re driving through proper maintenance and driving habits. Don’t drive continuously with warning lights ablaze — an illuminated check engine light, or service-soon light doesn’t make the vehicle quit, but efficiency is likely reduced. The correction may be cheaper than the fuel you are wasting while operating in that mode.

Other mechanical items to check are fuel filter, air filter, tire pressure and alignment — all potential fuel-wasters if not up to snuff.

Altering you driving habits can contribute to fuel savings too. Warm up your engine for less than one minute, and don’t idle for more than one minute (unless in traffic). Look ahead, and plan ahead — don’t jack rabbit start from one light if you can see traffic backed up at the next light, for example. Take fewer trips — use logistics to combine trips, and plan efficient routes. Try the telephone and Internet to shop or advance shop. Engage cruise control during open road driving.

Monitor your fuel mileage, so you’ll know if it dips below average indicating a mechanical repair. Don’t overfill your tank — it’s a shame to see $3 a gallon gas on the ground. Eliminate unnecessary weight — it reduces fuel economy, especially in small cars.

Hybrid Primer

With all of the talk about hybrid vehicles, let’s take a look at their basics. For motor vehicles, current hybrids derive propulsion from a combination of gas and electric power plants. A Moped, and an old Schwinn Whizzer are both hybrid vehicles, mixing power from pedals and gas engines. Future hybrids may combine other power sources.

The hybrid vehicles currently on the market offer substantial mileage gains for city driving — in most cases their highway mileage is less than their fuel-only counterparts. This is because the hybrids employ an electric motor for most city driving, and actually shut off completely during most stops. Out on the freeway, they rely mainly on gasoline power — elsewhere they use combined power, depending upon vehicle speed.

The electric motor is powered from a nickel-metal hydride battery, and a generator run by the gas engine — this generator also charges the battery. The battery is even charged by the electric motor, acting as a generator, in the brake, coast, and deceleration mode.

Your driving modes determine if substantial savings can be had with a hybrid motor vehicle. Basically, if most of your driving were in the city (under 35mph, stop & go), you would realize the greatest benefit. If all of your driving is at freeway speeds, a hybrid is generally not cost effective over a gasoline only vehicle. For combined driving arenas, your individual driving style and ratio of city to highway operation will determine whether a hybrid makes economic sense.

Only the Insight and the Prius have huge economy figures (around 60), but they are very small cars, and don’t meet the need for room many family cars must provide. Bigger hybrids are available, but don’t offer as impressive mileage figures, especially on the highway. By the way, the average battery warranty is eight years, and they are designed to last about that long — just in case you’ve heard otherwise.

Whatever you drive, keep it maintained and drive smart — if you want better fuel economy, it’s up to you.