Brad, posted on
May 29, 2008, 08:52
Well, gas has hit the $4.00 a gallon mark. I drive a gas guzzling truck, and it has hit me hard. I have looked into a few things on saving gas, and I have seen a lot of things. The number 1 thing that is helping me, I don't have a commute. I have hardly put any gas into my truck at all. I have put maybe 700 miles on it this month alone. That is a huge decrease in what is normal. I end up staying home a little more than I would like, but I am quickly starting to dislike the business practices of big oil. I even mow my lawn faster, and as efficiently as possible. I have a rider, because the yard is too big for me to mow by hand. Honestly it probably uses less gas for me to use a rider, because it would take A LOT longer using a push mower.
The number 2 thing that is helping me out. I have a motorcycle. It gets about 40 mpg, which is a relief (compared to my 16 in the truck). But, it also uses premium unleaded (and, it DOES make a difference in mileage). But, as most of my family will tell you, I always want more. I want better fuel mileage in BOTH the truck AND motorcycle. I don't live quite close enough to anything to ride my bicycle anywhere, but that is becoming a consideration. They are saying that gas prices are going to hit $5.00 / gal by the end of summer. In January this year, I would have not believed it. Think about it. Gas was around $3.00 gal in my area in January. That is a 66% INCREASE in 9 MONTHS. That is ludicrous.
This is drawing me to my next goal. Get my truck to get better fuel mileage. I know what you are thinking... Brad.. just buy a hybrid. HAHA.. that would be in a perfect world. I am not living in a perfect world, are you? :) Remember, this is about an AVERAGE guy doing everything he can. My goal is to not have to give up too much. And I use that truck to haul, move, and other stuff. So, I need to figure this one out. Yes, I am aware that buying a car would also help, but that is not an option today.
I have improved my driving habits, and this is helping. I have looked into fuel additives, that are supposed to help, and not cost an arm and a leg. I am also looking into a couple of systems that I can install in the truck that will increase the fuel mileage, and not break anything. I am doing extensive research on these systems before I put anything in my truck. I can handle a gas guzzler better than no transportation at all.
I also had heard about an interesting thing that UPS did. I am not sure if it is true, but it sounds good. They used a computer program to re-calculate local routes to use as few left hand turns as possible. They didn't eliminate left turns, just reduced them by something like 60%-75%. This seems like nothing, until you sit at an intersection trying to turn left, with the engine idling. When you take a right hand turn, a lot of times you don't even need to stop. So... sit in a busy intersection, idling for a while, or take a few right turns. Of course.. if you have to go 1 mile out of your way.. that is not a good idea. It has to be a thought out pattern. That is probably why they used a computer to re-route it :).
With that knowledge in mind, I have been taking a little different route to run my errands. I use 'the path of least resistance' rule. As long as it doesn't take me out of the way, I go down roads that have fewer lights, fewer stop signs, and as few left hand turns at busy intersections as possible. I have not been doing this enough to now its affect, but I will let you know.
I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on what you do to save fuel. I would love to have a car that magically generates power from thin air, but I don't see that happening in the near future. But, what so I know? lol Please add comments! I love to read them.
Brad
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