I clearly remember lining up at gas stations in the mid-1970s to purchase gasoline, a maximum of $2 or $3 a day. Except it was really only every other day because we could only purchase gas on either odd or even days, and they were related to your license plate number.
Consider that purchase limit — pretty funny, huh? I put $62 in the tank the other week.
Ford Motor Co. sent me 11 tips on how to increase fuel economy. Ford is a top manufacturer of SUVs and pick-up trucks, and it just happens that outdoor types use these vehicles regularly. These tips work.
I have barely driven during most of the spring and summer in hopes of being able to afford gas for some fall bird hunting and hawk watching. Sorry if a few readers find that incongruous, but it works for me.
After buying a small, fuel efficient vehicle, learning to drive differently (behavior modification) is the key to increasing fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking lowers your gas mileage significantly. Sensible driving not only helps conserve precious fuel resources while saving money, it's also safer.
Ford calls it eco-driving: Economical because it saves money, and Ecological because it is better for the environment. These tips are simple and can reduce fuel consumption, and save you money.
1. Slow down and watch speed. Drive 55 instead of 65 to save fuel, for a 10-15 percent improvement in fuel economy.
2. Relax. Aggressive driving wastes fuel and wears out components like brakes and tires more quickly. Accelerate smoothly from a stop, and brake softly.
3. No idling. An idling engine burns fuel and damages the engine. Today's engines don't need a warm up, so drive away smoothly and immediately.
4. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended tire pressure, which can reduce fuel use by 3-4 percent.
5. Be kind to your vehicle. Regular, proper engine tune-up keeps vehicles running efficiently. Keep wheels properly aligned to save fuel. Replace air filters on schedule.
6. Travel light. Avoid piling much luggage on the roof rack to maintain good aerodynamics, otherwise fuel economy can be reduced by as much as 5 percent.
7. Minimize heater and air conditioning use to reduce the load on the engine.
8. Close windows at high speeds, 50 mph or higher, to reduce aerodynamic drag.
9. Use good quality, energy-conserving EC oils with the viscosity grade recommended by the manufacturer.
10. Consolidate trips. Plan ahead and make fewer trips. Share rides or car pool.
11. Use cruise control to help you maintain an even speed.
I have spoken to a lot of guys who have been telling me they have not been able to go to their cabins much this spring or summer because of fuel costs, and are concerned about fall and winter hunting seasons.
It might be time to get rid of the big truck and/or SUV. Or, maybe following these tips will save you the money you need. Just think, you might be able to hunt or fish more.
John McGonigle is outdoors editor for the Sunday News. His e-mail address is jmcgonigle@lnpnews.com.
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