| If you're buying a new car, it's an obvious no brainer | | | | ---SLOW DOWN! Try to pay attention to the speed |
| that a large SUV vs. a fuel efficient sports car is going | | | | you pick up while approaching a red light. We don't |
| to be less costly at the pump. Knowing how many | | | | often consider it while on the phone, or day dreaming. |
| miles per gallon you can get will save you a lot of | | | | The majority of drivers actually drive to the red light |
| cash. The difference between a car that gets 20 miles | | | | keeping up with the flow of traffic. (When it's red, roll) |
| per gallon vs. one that gets 30 can save you $550 a | | | | Why have a race to the light? The same applies in |
| year. ($2,200 in four years) That might make for a | | | | bumper to bumper traffic and a line at a stop sign. It's |
| decent vacation. I'm sure you deserve one. Keep in | | | | actually amazing how many people press on the gas |
| mind similar compact cars can still have a wide range | | | | pedal to move a few feet in traffic. It's hard to |
| from 21 mpg to 48 mpg. Of course you want the | | | | remember this, because we're set on auto pilot. I call |
| highest number. | | | | this getting "Nowhere fast." The less contact with that |
| Tips that add up | | | | pedal the better. It all adds up. |
| Ok, so you have a small Toyota, or you're already | | | | ---Don't forget to keep your tires inflated to the right |
| stuck with a larger full size model/SUV, here are some | | | | pressure. Under- inflated tires can lower your gas |
| additional ways to save everyday. | | | | mileage. |
| ---Clean out your trunk! Don't carry around those golf | | | | --- Find a buddy. Not only can driving to work be a |
| clubs, or stroller. (I used to keep my real estate yard | | | | hassle, but it can be lonely too. So why not pair up with |
| signs in my trunk) Store it in the garage. Removing | | | | a fellow commuter and share the cost? A 40 mile |
| excess weight from your vehicle can improve your | | | | total daily commute costs about $2,600 per year. |
| gas mileage. In fact, carrying around an extra 100 lbs. | | | | Ridesharing with one other person can save you |
| of weight can cost you an additional 2 cents per gallon. | | | | $1,300. Double the figure for an 80 mile total daily |
| ---Replace clogged air filters. This can save you | | | | commute. It's something to think about even just a few |
| approx. 10%. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from | | | | days a week. |
| damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will | | | | There are websites dedicated to gas prices. It may |
| replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your | | | | not be a bad idea to check for the cheapest gas |
| engine. This is especially true if you drive in the city. | | | | stations in the Cleveland Ohio area. |