- PERSPECTIVE -

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Location: London, Canada

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Monday, May 05, 2008

A Bad Case of Gas!

With fuel prices within reach of a buck and a half per litre in Canada and four bucks a gallon in the States things are still not as expensive as in Europe but that's no reason to get complacent over rising prices.

The "Perspective" research department has done a study on ways to save money at the pumps and we would like to pass some of our findings on to you!

(The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); cost savings are based on an assumed value of $3.23 a gallon.)

1. Drive Sensibly
Estimated Savings: 7 to 49 cents per gallon

Speeding, rapid acceleration and constant braking are all symptoms of aggressive driving that waste gas. Pay attention to the traffic flow to maintain a more constant speed. You can lower gas mileage by as much as 22% on the highway and 5% on city streets by driving sensibly.

2. Replace Dirty Air Filter
Estimated Savings: 15 to 32 cents per gallon

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10%. The air filter keeps dirty particles from damaging the inside of your engine. A clean air filter serves a dual purpose: It saves gas and protects your engine.

3. Bypass High-Octane Gas
Estimated Savings: 15 to 35 cents per gallon

Regular octane fuel is recommended for most cars. Buying a high-octane gasoline most likely won't improve your car's performance but will add to your fuel cost.

4. Maintain The Speed Limit
Estimated Savings: 10 cents per gallon

Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Observing the speed limit and using cruise control during highway driving will conserve gas.

5. Drop The Weight
Estimated Savings: 3 to 6 cents per gallon

Avoid keeping unnecessary, heavy items in your vehicle. An extra 100 pounds could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2%, based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's total weight, which affects smaller cars more than larger ones.

6. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Estimated Savings: Up to 10 cents per gallon

When tires aren't inflated properly, it's like driving with the parking brake on, and that can cost a mile or two per gallon. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

7. Use The Recommended Oil
Estimated Savings: 3 to 6 cents a gallon

You can improve your gas mileage by up to 2% when using the grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Avoid Long Idles
Estimated Savings: Additional miles per gallon

Allowing your vehicle to run idle for longer than a minute is equivalent to throwing money out of the window. You are burning gas but getting zero miles per gallon. Shut off the car; it takes less gas to restart it than what is being used while sitting still.

9. Check Gas Cap
Estimated Waste: Gallons of gas each year

Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing can cause gallons of gas to vaporize, thus sending you to the pump sooner than necessary.

10. Get a Plan
Estimated Waste: Gallons of gas each year

Trips to the grocery store, dry cleaners and shopping centers should be planned so you are not wasting time retracing your route. If you have multiple vehicles, drive the one that has the better mileage. Make a list of what you need so you don't forget something and have to make a return trip.

If you follow all these tips and also buy yourself a small four cylinder car the "Perspective" research department estimates that you can drive around for a total cost of about four to five cents a gallon, which saves money that could be better spent on booze, cigarettes, and for you guys, hookers!

Allan W Janssen is the author of the book The Plain Truth About God (What the mainstream religions don't want you to know!) and is available at the web site www.God-101.com

Visit the blog "Perspective" at http://Allans-Perspective.blogspot.com

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1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some very good tips Allan. Especially the last one!

Thanks!

Monday, May 05, 2008 10:39:00 a.m.  

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