Comments on: Finance Friday 15: How to save money on gas http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas Thoughts, Musings, Reflections, and Ramblings of a campus minister, father, husband, and a Jesus-follower Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:12:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Dixon http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas#comment-8869 Dixon Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:32:19 +0000 http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas/#comment-8869 Amy and I are mulling downsizing to one car, at least in part in order to save $ and energy. It will push our ability to schedule and plan the day, but we think it's doable! Amy and I are mulling downsizing to one car, at least in part in order to save $ and energy. It will push our ability to schedule and plan the day, but we think it’s doable!

]]> By: Stephanie http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas#comment-8866 Stephanie Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:01:25 +0000 http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas/#comment-8866 About the AC vs. open windows thing, I'd read something similar to Jessica's research, that open windows doesn't save you more gas because of the increased drag created by the open windows. I like the drive sabbath idea. I might have to give it a try. About the AC vs. open windows thing, I’d read something similar to Jessica’s research, that open windows doesn’t save you more gas because of the increased drag created by the open windows.

I like the drive sabbath idea. I might have to give it a try.

]]> By: Jessica http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas#comment-8865 Jessica Mon, 03 Dec 2007 21:35:21 +0000 http://www.servingbread.net/2007/12/01/finance-friday-15-how-to-save-money-on-gas/#comment-8865 I was doing some research on this myself, and interestingly enough, around 35/40mph and faster, the drag that's created from opening your windows nullifies the difference in the amount of fuel you'd save from just using the A/C. The most recommended is to use the fan. A couple other tips: 1) Check your air filter/spend a little more money on a more efficient air filter - it will more than pay for itself in fuel savings. 2) When driving on the freeway, leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front - it'll save you from braking and accelerating as much. 3) When taking off from a stop, accelerate slowly - it takes way less gas. 4) Stay away from parking at storefronts - it may be a little more of a walk, but you end up saving gas not having to wait for other cars and pedestrians. 5) Avoid having to stop - when approaching red lights or on freeway off-ramps, coast to a stop. At a red light, starting from 5-10mph is much more fuel efficient than starting from a full stop. Hope that's helpful! I was doing some research on this myself, and interestingly enough, around 35/40mph and faster, the drag that’s created from opening your windows nullifies the difference in the amount of fuel you’d save from just using the A/C. The most recommended is to use the fan.

A couple other tips:
1) Check your air filter/spend a little more money on a more efficient air filter - it will more than pay for itself in fuel savings.

2) When driving on the freeway, leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front - it’ll save you from braking and accelerating as much.

3) When taking off from a stop, accelerate slowly - it takes way less gas.

4) Stay away from parking at storefronts - it may be a little more of a walk, but you end up saving gas not having to wait for other cars and pedestrians.

5) Avoid having to stop - when approaching red lights or on freeway off-ramps, coast to a stop. At a red light, starting from 5-10mph is much more fuel efficient than starting from a full stop.

Hope that’s helpful!

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