Precision driving: Rising gas prices fuel frugal frenzy

In concert with the current pain felt at the pump, many drivers are looking for ways to save fuel. We would all like to make fewer visits to the gas station, since lately, each visit becomes more shocking.

Even at today’s prices, I believe the benefits we obtain from a gallon of gas make it a good value. Still, unless your budget is unlimited, the price has reached a point where it makes good sense to economize where possible. It has always made good sense, since we are using more fossil fuels than we discover each year, but now we have an incentive to take action.

Of course, the type of vehicle you drive determines your fuel economy potential, and for some, changing vehicles may be an option. Now, gas/electric hybrid models are a viable alternative, but they offer the most substantial savings only in city driving. E85 vehicles, which run on a mix of 85 percent ethanol, and 15 percent gasoline save gasoline, but are not more economical. Actually some scholars argue that the gasoline savings are minimal when delivery of corn to ethanol plants, and plant operation are included in the equation. And for certain, there are very few stations in our nation that offer the E85 mix. Next year, some manufactures will be offering state-of-the art diesel models, which will have merit in economy of operation.

Changing cars is expensive, though, and depending on how much one drives, it may take longer than the vehicle will last for the savings to offset the cost. So how can you use less fuel with the vehicle you now drive? Many ways, if you put your mind to it.

Each week, I read the writings of many auto journalists in print and on the Internet. Not surprisingly, fuel economy is currently a popular topic. I’ve consolidated many of the tips I’ve read, along with many I know, into the following listing. Some you may know, some you may not, but a refresher course never hurts.

“Avoid excessive vehicle warm-up. Thirty seconds is plenty for a modern, regularly driven car. Drive moderately for the first few miles — in fact, in light of today’s fuel cost, drive moderately period.

“Restrict drag strip takeoffs to Spokane International Raceway, or its equivalent. Apply pressure to the accelerator pedal as if there were an egg under your foot.

“Modern automatic transmissions are programmed to up shift as soon as possible. Do the same with your manual transmission. If it has an up shift arrow, try abiding by it, but don’t lug (bog down) the engine — that hurts economy (and the engine).

“Anticipate driving situations so you can slow down and speed up gently rather than harshly. Accelerate slightly before a hill rather than in the middle of it.

“Use cruise control when possible.

“If you must idle for more than one minute, it’s more economical to stop the engine, and then restart it when needed.

“Monitor your fuel mileage. Sometimes bargain fuels are not as efficient. Use fuel with the proper octane for your vehicle. Too high is a waste, too low reduces efficiency.

“Don’t use your left foot for braking. Many have the habit of resting their foot on the pedal, which causes drag and wastes fuel.

“Maintain your vehicle. Regular tune-ups, clean oil, clean filters, tire pressure, and wheel alignment all have an effect on fuel mileage.

“Remove excess weight. Extra tires in the trunk, and other cargo affect economy, especially in small cars, and on hills.

“Consider car pools, public transportation, bicycling or walking when possible.

“Plan trips to use shortest routes. Consolidate errands. Avoid rush hour driving if you can. Ask yourself if the trip is really necessary.

“Try shopping by phone, Internet, or catalog mail order.

At the automotive Website, www.edmunds.com, some of the more common tips were tested, and three of them stood out as most effective: Average savings of over 30 percent was realized by driving moderately as opposed to aggressively. Reducing excessive idling saved up to 19 percent. And using cruise control saved an average of over 10 percent.

Also of note, Edmunds found that driving with the A/C on and the windows up used no more fuel than operating with the A/C off and the windows down. Moral? Be comfortable while you drive — that’s as important as fuel savings, and in this case, costs no more.

Finally, beware of devices or additives claiming fuel savings. Federal Trade Commission findings show that even the few that do work afford insignificant savings.

Driving less is the most effective way to save — it’s also the only way we might shift the balance of power a bit from the oil companies to the consumers.