Do you know we can save millions of gallons of gasoline a year for cheap?

Question

If the government advocates less redundant acceleration in traffic, millions of gasoline gallons can be saved. Every time someone brakes there is a waste of fuel. When we anticipate stops and coast to prevent the need to brake, gasoline is conserved. America has too many drivers accelerating towards red traffic lights and red brake lights due to our aggressive driving habits.

These are some great ideas to advocate. What I am saying is that when you accelerate, gas is used. When you brake after accelerating you are stopping the momentum that is generated by the use of gasoline, a FOSSIL fuel. Every drop adds up and cannot be replaced. Braking is good when it prevents you from coming to a complete stop or getting in a collision.

Answer 1

Off course I know

The difference between a good and bad driver can be higher than 20% comsumption.

I have the ultimate saving straegies: in the summer driving downhill I put the AC at maximum to "brake in a usefull way" and set it lower again after. The energy has to be absorbed anyway to brake so at least I do something useful out of it.

I also drive slowly if I see a red light in cities so that when I reach the line, its green and I will not have had to brake (destroy mechanical energy).

I keep my windows closed when I can to offer less air friction

For my safety and to reduce the friction on the road, I check my air pressure in the tires. I switch at mid-season between summer and winter tires to have the highest performance.
I put even more pressure in my tires before driving a long road on a highway.

Some tires are more fuel efficient than others... check for ratings

I also change my oil and check for the right viscosity according to the climate and the season

I clean my air filter to reduce pressure losses

Answer 2

First of all braking does NOT waste gas, accelerating after braking does.

Second, want to really save gas? - ride a bike, dump the car, walk, commute, bus it. According to studies conducted after the first energy crisis in the early 70s, cars don't really warm up to optimal operating condition until they've traveled at least 20 miles and 70% of all driving trips are less than 2 miles and can be easily walked or biked.

Third - accelerating and coasting to stops does work. Another thing is to plan your routes to utilize traffic signals especially if they are synchronized and don't use streets with stop signs on every or every other block. Plan your route to make only right turns - left turns, especially against traffic, take a lot of idling time.

Answer 3

Yes... We all know this. But you know what?

There will always be that ****** driver that feels the need to speed up as fast as he can just to get to that next red light.

The government does advocate that also. Ever hear of the rule about giving a car's length for every 10 miles. So if you are traveling at 40 miles an hour, leave a four car gap between you and the car in front of you.

What else do you think the government can do? Start issuing tickets?

Answer 4

While you are correct in saying that reducing acceleration rate, and braking can conserve gas, so can proper inflation of tires, having a good working O2 sensor, and clean air filters. All of these will improve gas mileage, therefore conserving gas. The problem is getting people to conform. Not many drivers are going to leave the house 10 mins earlier in the morning to avoid speeding, or not be in a hurry to get home in the evening. There are many people who don't perform routine maintenance on their cars which will give them better gas mileage. If everyone started paying more attention to their vehicles and driving habits, it would start to make a difference.

Answer 5

When I paid $3.49/gal the other night for my little Saturn and spent over $46 for a bit over 13 gallons, I became concerned, and --- naturally --- wanted to know how I could lessen the sting at the pump, or at least get my money's worth out of the gas I AM using.

First, my tires were just replaced a few weeks ago, so they're in good working condition and well -inflated.

I'm going to be changing my oil and oil filter in the next week or so, and usually, when I replace my oil, I also check my air filter. A new air filter is not always needed. Most of the time, I use an air compressor to clean it out.

I try to use my air conditioning as little as possible, as I can literally feel the change in my car's engine as the AC kicks on. I can feel the car jerk ever so slightly, and at night, I can see the headlights dim a bit before they go back up. Also, I keep the windows rolled up as often as possible, so as to create less drag. Most of the time, I turn on the vent and turn the temperature control as far over to the left (cold side) as I can.

I coast down hills, and when there's not any cars around, I go as slow as safely possible. I live out in the country, and there's not a lot of traffic, so I can usually get by with 25/30 mph in a 35 zone. Then, when I get onto the highway, I'll set my cruise control exactly at 60 or 65. If people behind me think I'm slow, then they have the opportunity to go around me. Minimum speed limits on most highways is anywhere from 40 - 55 mph, so as long as you're within your state's regulations, cops shouldn't have a problem with you going slow. They're most likely more concerned with people going 85 - 90 in a 65 zone. At night, the highway is just about dead, so I take my speed even lower. I go about 55 then, because I'm not inconveniencing as many people. Most of the people have plenty of time to see that I'm going slower than the speed limit, and have time to pass me.

If I had someone to carpool with, I would do that, but I don't believe anyone drives from my area to my job area, so I don't have that opportunity. You can always check RideShare to see if there's anyone in your community who is offering to carpool.

Another good thing to do would be to use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike. I'm trying to cut down on how many times I'm driving, so a quick walk down the street to neighbor's house, or up the road to the convenience store doesn't need a car.

Answer 6

So what? Everybody already knows that. And you save even more by driving slower, keeping your tires inflated properly, keeping your car tuned up, and so on. But the saving is very small. So you get 31 miles per gallon instead of 30 miles per gallon. It is too small to be important. When you add it up for the 100 million+ drivers in the country, it may be millions of gallons, but millions is just a drop in the bucket compared to how much we all use. It is a couple percent savings. We need a 90% savings to make a difference.

Answer 7

yes all these tips work, and NO we cannot control other drivers, but we can ensure that the car we drive and the way we drive is doing all it can for the enviroment.
I know when I purchased my little scion xB is was the most eco friendly car from dust to dust..and I am thrilled that for such a low cost..13000, I get 36 actual miles per gallon, yes many are hiway, but I do not go 75 even when I can...and when legal, I found my car gets best milage at 65...so i do that
cars can pass me ..does not bother me.....I leave in plenty of time to get where I am going.

Answer 8

Yes I know this and lots of people waste gas too when they leave their cars running while making a quick run in the store or stop and pause to talk with someone while the car runs and gas are still being used.

Answer 9

actually nowadays there is regenerative breaking which is in most hybrids that doesnt actually waste gas at stops and doesnt idle either. if everyone were to drive a hybrid you would save alot more gas per year while on the highway and in stop and go traffic. in city driving the hybrid is actually more fuel efficient and effective. it is definately something to think about.

Answer 10

the small amount of gas used during breaking is negligent!...My truck could idle for days on a tank of gas!I cannot pull my boat, 4wheeler and trailer with a hybrid or scionB!!!!...I love the outdoors,...till they produce vehicles that can accomplish what my truck can...there will be no change!
It took 73.00 to fill my truck up today! I will pay at the pump to enjoy my passions.
Trucks are the number 1 selling vehicles in the world! they will have to produce a vehicle with power!
They need to start with trucks!!!!!