Fuel Consumption

Ok, so I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that the price of auto gas/petrol is really, really high (and on so many levels... that's a whole different posting). As usual, the wisdom I share here is as much for my own re-focusing as anyone else's who stops by.

Here's a few ways to reduce fuel consumption (besides giving up on the beasts, which some of my friends have done):

1. Keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires waste fuel and wear out the tire tread.
2. Do regular tune-ups. A properly tuned engine burns gas more efficiently.
3. Don't warm up your car longer than a minute or so, even on cold mornings. It's unnecessary and wastes gas. Don't rev the engine, either; it doesn't make you a stud.
4. Don't carry unnecessary stuff. Keep only important emergency items and not a lot of junk.
5. Plan your trips to combine errands. Better yet, shop by phone or the Internet. Bank by mail or online. Buy in bulk; you'll make fewer trips (and likely waste less packaging as well).
6. Make sure the gas cap is secure. Fuel will evaporate if it doesn't seal properly or is missing altogether.
7. If you're in the market for a car, look for fuel efficiency when you buy a car.
8. Keep an even speed when you can, and don't make fast starts -- smooth driving saves fuel.
9. Don't be a lead foot. Resting your left foot on the brake will drag and gobble up gas. It'll cause your brakes to wear out faster, too.
10. Telecommute, start your own home business, find a job closer to home (or a home closer to work), or try taking public transportation/carpooling, even 1 day a week.

Thanks to Georgene Lockwood for the suggestions!