How to feel less pinched at the pump

Pinched at the pump

Use these gas-saving strategies

The temperature hasn’t been the only thing rising this spring. Gasoline prices, which began hitting new record highs in March, are expected to peak in May, according to the federal government.

The extra cost of fueling up company vehicles could pinch your pocketbook — unless you follow these cost-saving strategies:

Keep company vehicles properly maintained. Dirty oil, gunked-up filters, an out-of-tune engine or underinflated tires all reduce fuel efficiency. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, a Web site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gas mileage will improve ...
– an average of 4.1% by fixing a car that has been noticeably out of tune or failed an emissions test;
– as much as 40% if a faulty oxygen sensor is replaced;
– up to 10% by replacing a clogged air filter; and
– around 3.3% by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure.
Also be sure to use the recommended grade of engine oil. An oil that’s too heavy increases engine friction, which cuts fuel efficiency.

Avoid multiple short trips or circuitous routes. A cold engine uses more fuel than one that’s had time to warm up. So combine errands or visits to clients into one trip instead of taking several short trips. Plan your trip to avoid backtracking or a circuitous route.

Be gas-wise at the pump. Consider getting a credit card that provides rebates on gas purchases; you can find information about these kinds of cards at CreditCardGuide.com. (As with any credit card, read the fine print.) When gassing up, use the lowest-octane gasoline appropriate for the vehicle. Don’t top off the tank — the excess can spill out, wasting gas and dollars. Also be sure to tighten the gas cap so gas doesn’t evaporate.

Keep the pedal off the metal. Aggressive, fast driving wastes fuel. Every 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional 10 cents per gallon for gas, according to www.fueleconomy.gov. Driving at 65 mph uses 20% more gas than driving at 55, and driving at 75 mph, rather than 65, increases gas consumption another 25%. Avoid sudden stops and starts; it’s better to accelerate and brake gradually. And use overdrive gear to slow your engine speed, which not only saves gas but also reduces engine wear.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. Idling wastes gas, and the larger the engine, the more gas is wasted. According to Consumer Reports (April 2005), turning off a gas engine usually is more fuel-efficient than idling longer than 30 seconds.

Use cruise control. Maintaining a steady speed with cruise control generally uses less fuel than trying to do it with the gas pedal.

Reduce drag. Carrying items on a vehicle’s roof increases aerodynamic drag and can cut fuel efficiency by 5%.

Lighten the load. Don’t keep unnecessary heavy items in a vehicle. An extra 100 pounds will reduce a typical car’s gas economy by 1% to 2%, says the Federal Trade Commission.

Minimize use of air conditioning. But at highway speeds, air conditioning may use less gas than driving with the windows open, which increases drag. When you do use A/C, set it to “recirculate” whenever possible, to avoid cooling hot outside air.

Motivate employees to be fuel-conscious drivers. Ways to do this include training, requiring them to keep mileage logs, and giving bonuses or some other reward for those who use less gas.

Purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicle model that meets your needs. See www.fueleconomy.gov for fuel-efficiency information for cars, vans, minivans, sport utility and special-purpose vehicles under 8,500 pounds, and pickup trucks.

‘Pennies’ in their pockets

As Benjamin Franklin noted, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Either way puts more money in your pocket. Here are ways to help your employees keep more money in theirs by saving on gasoline:

Offer telecommuting or flexible schedules, when possible, so they can avoid stop-and-go driving at rush hour. An organization called Telecommute Connecticut! can advise and assist you with setting up a telecommuting program; see www.telecommutect.com or call 1-800-255-7433.

Encourage carpooling or vanpooling. Find resources at www.ctrides.com.

Provide bicycle racks in a safe, convenient area for those who might like to bike to work.

How to feel less ...

Pinched at the pump

‘Pennies’ in their pockets

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