Although I’m still not worked up about gas prices personally, I still hear all kinds of tips to save gas left and right. But do they really work? Edmunds.com tests them out and gives us some hard(ish) numbers. Briefly:
What worked
Driving less aggressively
Using cruise control
Avoiding long idles
What didn’t
Turning off the A/C
Ensuring proper tire pressure (ignoring safety issues)
The Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – November 2024
Big List of Free Stocks from Brokerage Apps
Best Interest Rates on Cash - November 2024
Free Credit Scores x 3 + Free Credit Monitoring
Best No Fee 0% APR Balance Transfer Offers
Little-Known Cellular Data Plans That Can Save Big Money
How To Haggle Your Cable or Direct TV Bill
Big List of Free Consumer Data Reports (Credit, Rent, Work)
I heard about this study in the news. Interesting results. They are definitely relevant. Thanks for the link.
The TV show Mythbusters had a show that went through the age old question of two identical cars, one with ac running and the other with the windows down. If I remember right, there might have been 1-2 lap difference.
Good luck with stop/starts in rush hour traffic. I think your just about doomed to idle.
I’m glad about running the A/C since it’s about to get ugly humid soon in DC. However, when I have my windows open, I ike having the sunroof open too (so I can get my vitamin D synthesized). I wonder how much that changes things…
think of me guys..i am in phoenix. we are just over 104 these days and we’ll soon reach 120 :(. this is definitely a good news for me 😀
have you ever thought about dollar cost averaging your gas purchases as you would your mutual fund investments? I’m sure that you would save at least a few bucks, but it would require more frequent fill-ups.
Actually on MythBusters the difference was nearly 30 laps. It was significantly different. I rememeber that episode. They were surprised that it was so different because having the windows all the way down and the A/C cranked up gave their fuel economy computer nearly identical readings. However it computed it value based on air intake I believe, which was different because of the engine load for the A/C.
However, I didn’t think their test was too good for evaluating “real world” use. Since they set the A/C to the highest setting and who really does that? They balanced the weight out for both cars, including passengers and carryons. The car with the A/C grabbed jackets so the other car had to add additional weight.
They did their tests on 2005 Ford Explorers too.
How about buying stocks of ExxonMobil?
how about buying stocks of ExxonMobil?
I like how this man thinks.
Just purchased a fancy motor scooter.
That’s the way a married/bachelor should do it.
A car for the sake of burden type errands.
So, does driving with the a/c on really lower mileage like we’ve learned all our lives, or not?
As for the motor scooter, I bought an Honda Elite 250 5 years ago. I call it my 65/65 machine–about 65 mpg, goes about 65 mph.
Great for picking up the ladies 🙂 (Ok, not really so great for that)