Gavin Gunter, Contributor
* Don't speed. Staying within the speed limit is not only safer, it is easier on your pocket. Depending on the model, your car may have its peak gas mileage at around 45 mph. One test car gave 14 per cent better gas mileage at 55 mph than at 65 mph. So speeding away on those country trips may not only cause an accident, but also cost you significantly more at the pump.
* Avoid peak-hour traffic when possible. Idling wastes your fuel, patience and time.
* Park at the first available space rather than driving around to hunt. This will save you gas and aggravation while providing healthy exercise.
* Move off smoothly and avoid sudden accelerations. This allows automatic transmission shift to a higher gear to take place sooner. With a manual transmission, shift to higher gears as soon as practical without lugging the engine.
* If you are waiting for someone, turn off the engine. It takes less fuel to start the engine than it does to have it idle for 30 seconds or more.
Easy on the A/C
* Avoid the unnecessary use of air conditioning, for example, early in the morning on the way to work, or on windy days. A/C units consume a lot of gas.
* On hot days, vent hot air by opening the windows before engaging the A/C. Don't forget to keep your windows completely closed when the A/C is engaged. When parked in a space exposed to the sun, leave a small space (about an inch) open in the windows to allow hot air to escape.
* Once at a comfortable temperature, reduce your A/C output to the lowest level.
* Consider putting a light tint on your car windows and choose light colours for the car's exterior. Both measures cut the amount of heat energy absorbed by the car.
* Use car shades. This can cut the interior temperature significantly, as well as protect your dashboard from sun damage.
* Try to park in a shady spot when possible and avoid driving during the hottest times of the day.
- Gavin Gunter is affiliated to the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.
