Published May 24, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Choosing a fuel-efficient car is one good step toward reducing your monthly fuel bill, but it is not the only step.
inthinc Technology Solutions Inc., a global provider of telematics, fleet management and driver safety technologies, has examined customer data, collected from 500 fleets and nearly 50,000 vehicles, to validate suggested solutions on how to save money on fuel costs.
While the validated suggestions are aimed at fleets, they are just as valid for nearly any driver sharing the road. To some of you, these may seem obvious. Or, if you have an EV or car with stop/start technology, you can skip #3.
Otherwise – and as a word to the wise – following are solutions inthinc is offering to save money at the fuel pump, or propulsion energy, as the case may be:
Tip #1 - Obey the Speed Limit
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, vehicles that honor the speed limit maintain a higher miles per gallon ratio. Each five mph increment driven over 60 mph is the equivalent of $0.31 per gallon of gas.
Tip #2 - Avoid Aggressive Braking and Accelerating
Not only does frequent braking and accelerating create wear and tear on vehicles, it also significantly decreases MPG. A 2011 study, by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), has shown that by observing the speeding limit and avoiding hard braking and accelerating, drivers can improve MPG by as much as 25 percent.
Tip #3 - Turn the Key: Eliminate Idle Time
One hour of idle time represents 80 miles of engine wear and approximately one gallon of fuel. By turning off the engine when not driving, fuel is conserved, engine wear is limited and carbon emissions are reduced.
Tip #4 - Check Your Vehicle Regularly
Checking tire pressure regularly and replacing oil on time will ensure optimal performance. Studies have shown that properly inflated tires can gain up to three percent more miles and regular oil tune-ups will net an additional four percent.
Tip #5 - Plan Your Trips Ahead of Time
By mapping routes ahead of time, drivers can look for ways to cut down on the amount of travel time. Plan trips around rush-hour traffic and check local maps for quicker and flatter surface routes.
Enlightened Self Interest
We realize this is not comprehensive list, but it's a step in the right direction. We may post similar articles from time to time as the occasion arises.
Fuel (or electric) savings recommendations are more often pitched based on an appeal to a consumer's desire to save money. A broader reason is to preserve a finite or limited resource, pollute less, and all those more noble ideals that, well, have given rise to the whole generally termed "green car" movement in all its variations.
What do you think? Do you have tips you could add? Thoughts to add to the subject?
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