Steve Huppert
Columnist
hupps440@aol.com
I can’t think of anybody in this country who is not aware the price of gas has gone up in a major way during the last six weeks. Maybe someone whose main form of transportation are skies is not aware of the situation, but we are all experiencing fuel shortages everywhere, even in the Arctic, and I don’t know of many places with year-round skiing.
So, I guess we all need to think and practice ways not to consume so much gas as we are now doing, which is costing us a fortune.
It is being said prices will go down like a rock when the situation with Iran ends, but the general trend of thought is that it is going to be more like six months after the fighting stops before the situation improves and gas prices start going down. That is more like Christmas before we see gas at $2.00, so Merry Christmas. I would like to say Happy New Year, but I am not sure that’s in the cards.
In between the falling rock and the reduced prices, here are some ideas on ways to keep your gas bill down:
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate use cruise control.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace all vehicle tires with the same brand.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance
(Note: info from GM manual)
One other thing is the speed you and your car go. No one likes to go slow. We always have a reason why we need to go a little faster. The question is, do you really want to save gas?
All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55. Driving 65 instead of 75 reduces fuel cost 13% and going 55 saves 25%.
Using the air conditioner increases fuel cost by 13%.
So, I guess it is up to us how we handle the current situation.
(Note: info from National Traffic Safety Institute)
Thought for the Day: It doesn’t hurt to walk a little.
