Dee loves saving gas!

In Part 1, I talked about saving energy inside your home, and in Part 2, I discussed what you can do to the outside of your house to save energy. Now I'd like to lay out a few things you can do with your automobile to decrease your energy consumption.

• Blow 'em up: Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure, and make sure you're servicing your car regularly. And if your car's trunk is full of bowling balls, that's a real drag on your fuel efficiency! Clear out the cargo you don't need and lighten up your load.
• Navigate: Combine errands and plot your course. If you have two days' worth of errands to run, go to the stores up north today and go to the stores down south tomorrow.
• Gas up: But do it on the cheap(er). Sites like Gas Buddy will show you what gas stations in your area have lower prices.
• Warm on the run: Don't leave your car idling in the driveway to warm it up in the winter. It will get warmer faster as you drive it. Just hop in and go!
• Take it easy: Fear not - I also feel The Rage when some dope pulls out in front of me and goes 10 mph under the speed limit. The inclination to zoom past them in the other lane is almost overwhelming, but to do so wastes gas! Just think about the dopey driver's role in the grand scheme of things (small!) and pass them gently when you can.
• Cruisin': Driving with cruise control on the highway helps to keep your car at a steady speed, which increases your fuel economy. Use it when you can to increase those MPGs.

I hope these tips didn't drive you crazy, or that you automatically assumed I would take you for a ride or steer you wrong. Didn't tire you out, did I?

Okay, sorry. I couldn't resist. Let me know if these (or any other) tips rev you up.

Posted by Dee | tagged: Energy