What are yinz doin' to save gas?

[bloomautomatic]

With gas prices headed up north of $4/gal, what are you doing to conserve fuel - if anything.

My 17 mile commute is a lot of up and down small hills, so I try to conserve as much momentum as possible. I stay off the brakes going downhill and use as little gas as possible to get up the next one. Also driving like there's an egg on the pedal.

I'm seriously considering building an electric car. I figure I need at least a 40 mile range and 50-60mph top speed. Seems do-able, but I probably don't have the time to devote to it. Considered a motorcycle, but getting stuck in the rain concerns me. Anyone else looking into this? Hybrids don't really interest me because the mileage doesn't seem that much greater than I could get with a diesel rabbit or something like that.

Vince

[Atomic Dog]

I know you don't want a bike, but my lowest mileage was with cheap gas and stop-n-go traffic and I still got 42mpg

Most fillups it's mid 50's, best ever was 63.


Yes, it has not replaced the car completely but most days it gets me around just fine. Paid cash for it, and it's mine till the wheels fall off...




ETA:

Oh, the diesel idea is great, good mileage and you can use biodiesel or run SVO (straight veg oil)

[Emptymag]

I did an ad for this place a few weeks ago.
http://www.paelectrics.com/
They sell electric powered "stuff".

There's even some info on converting internal combustion engines to electric.




Disclaimer:
I know nothing about them other than that, and in no way do I endorse saving the earth.

[RocketFoot]

There's a lot of little things you can do to save gas like keeping your tires inflated to the proper psi, and even planning your errands to limit the number of trips. But the most important thing is to keep your foot off the pedal! I still see so any freakin' idiots that think a 2 lane red light is like a drag race or something!! I have started grandpa driving and I'm getting at least 15-20 more miles from a tank of gas. I also use Lucas Tune Up in a Bottle to help the gas burn hotter and require less pedal mashing to make it go...

[Shawn.L]

biodeisel would be most righteous !
I would love to pick up an old diesel benz and make biodeisel.

to the OP:
check your tire pressure, take all the crap out of your trunk, and no sharp stops or fast starts.

I drive about 25 min each way to/from work each day, I drive a Cobalt, get about 25 mpg city. Fill up about once a week, 11 gallons at current 3.50 is $39, when it goes to $4/gal that will be another $6.50 cents a week over now. Now, I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination, and if I have a driving heavy week where I go to the range extra or visit the in-laws then it adds a little, but I am not too freaked about the prospect of $10 more out of my pocket every week. Starbucks will just have to do without 2 coffee sales that week.
Honestly I manage a C-store with gas, and it amazes me the amount people freak about an extra couple cents on a tank of gas, but pay over $5 for a pack of cigs or $1 for a 20oz bottle of WATER without blinking.

The cost of food inflating, now that gets me worried.

[str8shooter]

With gas prices headed up north of $4/gal, what are you doing to conserve fuel - if anything.

Buy 3 or 4 cases of beer at a time. Saves trips.


Also got my commuter ride out a little early this year.



Sorry, stock picture is the best I got.

[er2006]

In addition to keeping the tires properly inflated , make sure it is maintained with tune ups as a must do. The idea of fewer trips and the trunk empty , Is a good idea I never thought of. Thanks

[625]

what am I doin?

got a 4 cylinder car
keepin it tuned up
keepin the tire pressures up ( go by the tires, not the door sticker )

can't drive slow, though, at least not on the highway

[normanvin]

I like to frequint yard sales and the flea market during the summer. looks like that will be curtailed.

Its not only the gas prices. The cost of food is also on its way up.

[Atomic Dog]

biodeisel would be most righteous !
I would love to pick up an old diesel benz and make biodeisel.

I like you style!

Honestly I manage a C-store with gas, and it amazes me the amount people freak about an extra couple cents on a tank of gas, but pay over $5 for a pack of cigs or $1 for a 20oz bottle of WATER without blinking.

Damn Skippy! I think transportation to work is priority 1. Quit smoking (healthier anyways) and fill up your nalgene before you leave the house. (it's not rocket science)

The cost of food inflating, now that gets me worried.

I kind of shrugged off the fact that I get breakfast and lunch free at work, but I couldn't believe how much money I saved. Even from when I was packing daily. And hell, I was doing 1-2 fast food trips a week, plus a pop daily. (saved about $2000 a year from not eating out and giving up soda)

Every little bit helps...