Gas saving tips: What works … and what doesn't

[tuvor]

There's nothing like gasoline prices at more than $1 a litre to get people thinking about ways to save money at the pumps. Motorists hate it when gas prices rise and many refuse to believe that it's simply supply and demand at work.

Drivers will dutifully consult websites devoted to finding the lowest prices in their area and will then drive kilometres out of their way to join the inevitable line to fill up. It seems there are few things more satisfying than buying a tankful of cheap(er) gas.

Of course, there are many ways to save money on gas. You can always move to Venezuela, where it costs about three cents a litre. If that's too drastic, you can take public transit, car pool or combine short trips. But what if you simply want to drive the same amount but save money. Fortunately, you're in luck.

Most of the following gas saving tips have been tested under controlled conditions – either in Canada or the United States. And some of them have been found to save so much gas, you'll think you've bought a hybrid car (which is, of course, another great way to save gas money).

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumertips/gas-saving.html

[Telly Savalas]

1. In Toronto we have a good website with suggestions on how to save gas

www.ttc.ca

[Roland99]

4. That site could use a redesign. BTW, friend of mine called me tonight

from Toronto. Gas is $1.079/liter up there now?

When I was last up there (2 1/2 yrs ago), it was less than $0.60/liter.

[Roland99]

2. Finally, a list that mentions turning off the engine instead of idling

At traffic lights I know I'll be sitting at for at least a minute, I'll shut the car off (as long as it's not like 95F or something).

Also, DON'T use the drive-thru at restaurants or banks. Park and walk in. You'll get more exercise than sitting on your butt in the drive-thru lane and you'll save gas. Also, you're less likely to have the fast-food joint screw your order up! :D

[KyuzoGator]

3. Pickup trucks: Lowering or removing your tailgate adds ~3 MPG.

Less wind drag.

[Mr Rabble]

6. No it does not. In many cases it will be worse...

to lower the tailgate.

Trucks are designed to run with the tailgate up. By leaving it down, you are changing the way the air closes around the vehicle, and thereby increasing its CoD.

[KyuzoGator]

7. Oh, okay. I must just be calculating the mileage wrong.

Miles per gallon is miles divided by gallons, right?




Yes, I'm being sarcastic.

[madokie]

18. I know that lowering the tailgate to increase the mileage is a good

start. I have compared the two and there is a significant improvement by lowering it. sorry. no way can the tailgate sticking up there will help the aerodynamics. Point me to where that has been demonstrated, please.
peace

[Berserker]

20. Here are a few links

that say it does not help to drive with the tailgate down.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=driving+with+tailgate+down&btnG=Google+Search

[madokie]

21. so when I and others I know have lowered the tailgate to get better

mileage we all were making a mistake in our figures, I just don't think so. I have a late model f150 that if you want to pay for the gas I will go with you on a road trip and let you see for yourself. the proof is in the pudding as they say. been there done that.

[KyuzoGator]

28. I have a 2004 Ranger and leaving my gate down makes a difference.

I calculate my mileage with every tank. I get between 2 and 3 more MPG with the gate down every single time.

[madokie]

30. been my experience and all that I know, surely all of us aren't that bad

at math. I just take that argument about aerodynamics with a grain of salt. who wrote it and what were there ulterior motive. I do know what I know, as rummy would say.

[KyuzoGator]

31. Point is, try it. It might work for you, it might not.

I have no idea why people feel the need to so strongly "debunk" something that people can harmlessly try on their own.

It works for you and it works for me. I thought the point of this thread is to spread ideas on how to save gasoline.

[TahitiNut]

23. Next I'll be told to keep my pervertible top up.

Fat chance! :silly:

[lectrobyte]

24. Not true at all. Mythbusters tried this, and I've also seen wind

tunnel study from Chrysler. Leaving the tailgate on creates a bubble of air that smooths flow around the back of the truck. Removing the tailgate creates more turbulence, hence more drag.

[KyuzoGator]

27. These studies are not conclusive for all truck models.

Look, I've calculated the mileage on my 2004 Ford Ranger and leaving my tailgate down makes an appreciable difference. With the gate up my highway mileage is about 21 mpg, with it down it's about 24 mpg.

[DrGonzoLives]

32. Was that test under controlled conditions?

Similar temperature, wind, humidity, tire pressure, things like that? Same speed both times?

I have actually seen evidence that says that lowering your tailgate does not improve gas mileage. The only argument I've heard against that conclusion is anecdotal.

[KyuzoGator]

34. I calculate my mileage with every tank.

If you don't believe that it makes a difference, fine. It works for some people and it doesn't work for others.

Is it really that painful to tell people to give it a shot? The worst case scenario is that you use the same amount of gas as you normally would. The best case scenario is that you save a little gas.

Man, I simply don't understand some of you rabid debunkers.

[DrGonzoLives]

37. The worst case scenario is that you will use more gas, actually

And if your feelings are being that hurt because people are disagreeing with your method, perhaps you ought to stay out of this thread.

[KyuzoGator]

38. My feelings aren't hurt one bit.

The point of this thread is to share tips on how to save gasoline. I posted something that works for me, and already one other person has said it works for them, too. It's not some kind of ego competition, I'm just sharing information.

If you try it and it doesn't work, then there's really no harm done other than the chance that you slightly reduce your fuel efficiency for one tank's worth of gas.

I'm well aware of the studies that claim to debunk this. And I'm sure that the aerodynamic profile of some pickup trucks does indeed create the air pocket that reduces efficiency.

The study is obviously not conclusive because some people do see an improvement when they lower or remove their tailgate. So there's really not much risk in giving it a try.

[951-Riverside]

5. Massive protests infront of oil execs homes probably works :D

[Wheres The Beef]

8. Avoid jack-rabbit starts and hard braking

Drive like you have a full cup of hot coffee on the dashboard, and don't spill a drop! I placed in the top 5 drivers for 8 years in the bus drivers rodeo doing this. MTC,MTC!

[lutefisk]

11. Fangio said shift like your shift knob is an egg

Doesn't save gas, but it might save one's transmission and make for a smoother driver.

Sounds vaguely suggestive, too.

[Jamison]

9. A few more tips...

Make sure you tires are properly inflated to the max PSI rating on the sidewall of your tire.

Running the AC wastes gas, and so does rolling down the windows due to increased drag. Turn the vent on cool and let fresh air in if you can.

Make sure your air filter is clean.

Change your sparkplugs and plug wires at the recommended intervals.

[sendero]

39. Really..

... you should use the inflation pressures located on your door jamb or glove box. The pressures on your tires are the MAX, not the recommended pressures for your particular vehicle :)

[Nicole]

10. Gas up after dark

when it's cooler.

I can't explain it but I'll try to paraphrase the best I can what I heard on the news.

The volume of gas expands in the heat therefore you actually get less gas for your money when it's hot.

Anyone here know why that is?

[gerrilea]

12. Here's a shot at an explanation

Simple physics...I think...goes like this...when energy is added to a system..it heats up and expands...the electrons move into higher orbits, but then will eventually release that enegry when returning to it's "normal" state...i.e. lower orbit. When it moves to a lower orbit it releases that energy in some form...usually light waves...

Okay maybe that's not it...but here's another explanation...when you heat something up it expands...metal does this...and when something is cold it shrinks...

so..if the gas is warm it expands...beyond its normal size...and when it's cold it shrinks...

So when it's warm there is actually less in the container...and when it's cold (having shrunk) it can hold more...

:toast:

[Nicole]

15. Thanks

I didn't catch the whole story on the news so I had no idea how that worked.

The fact that I sucked at anything science related didn't help me any.

:toast:

[madokie]

19. That would probably be true except the gas is coming from an under

ground tank where the temperature remains relatively the same day or night. Maybe from winter to summer.:shrug:

[Coexist]

22. that tip made this list - with an explanation.

http://www.howtoadvice.com/SavingGas

<snip>
6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

[lectrobyte]

25. I think that's a myth. Since around here, most gasoline tanks are

underground, there isn't going to be much of a temperature differential between noon and midnight.

[Liberal In Texas]

13. Best way. Dont drive so far.

I don't care what size vehicle you drive or all of the braking silliness, if you live 50 miles or so one way in your commute, you are going to burn a lot of gas.

I work as a contractor or "freelancer" and frequently drive from my house to jobs. My wife and myself located near the most likely "jobs" becasue we didn't want to commute long distances. Typically, my commute is around 16 miles round trip. I drive a mid-sized SUV as I need it for the equipment that I have to haul.

Granted, my SUV in the UK would be considered a behemoth (or perhaps but in Texas with 25 mpg, not really all that bad. Plus, we have no Underground or real good public transport to speak of.

I know many people that commute almost 100 miles per day. They're nuts, and they are burning fuel like crazy. Even in a really effecient car. They're crazy.

We're on wind power for or house, we use flourscent lights and live close to our jobs. We really can't do much more. (OK, I know I need to re-insulcate the attic....)


- I also am so sorry for my bad grammar or spelling...and edited because I'm an idiot...-

[gerrilea]

14. Or better yet...ride your bike...if you can

:hippie:

[Liberal In Texas]

16. I like the bike. Belive me. But I don't want to be hit by a Coors

delivery truck. Or a school bus, or some asshole that doesn't thin\k you belong in his lane.

Been there. People in cars hate bikes. (Not all, but many.) And they give you that nice "road rage."

[Roland99]

17. Kick

[lectrobyte]

26. If you are siphoning gas out of an RV, be sure you have the gas tank

and not the waste tank before you start sucking.

[meisje]

29. I hate when that happens

[TrogL]

33. Cruise control, watch your tach

My van has a four-speed transmission. It kicks into overdrive at approximately 65 kmh and you can nurse it down to 60. Then set your cruise control and you save about 10%.

[DrGonzoLives]

35. Gee, slow down on the highway?

Who knew? :sarcasm:

That will never work in America. There are too many people with lead feet in this country. I drive the speed limit to and from work every day (60 mph, country highway) and I get passed by everyone, including the semis who are supposed to be going slower.

Short of a complete fascist crackdown, this will never change.

[IChing]

36. Drive like you don't have brakes

That is a tip my dad gave me a long time ago.
You see a light changing from green to red way down the road,
let off on the accelerator pedal and let the car slow down on it's own.