Totally Frugal

Copyright 2005 Danek Kaus

The hurricane that has devastated so many lives has created
a huge spike in gasoline prices around the country, even in
areas that are not directly affected by the crisis.

With this in mind, here are some ways that you can reduce
your gas consumption, and thereby spend less money at the
pump. At the same time, you’ll also be helping the
environment by putting fewer emissions into the air.

1. Avoid idling as much as possible. Modern engines do
not need to be warmed up. In fact, they warm up better by
driving them slowly, under a light load. Instead of using
the drive-up window at the local fast food joint, consider
going inside instead. If you do use the pick-up window,
turn off the engine while you are in line. It takes less
gas to restart a warmed-up engine than it does to idle for
30 seconds or more.

2. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Don’t stomp on the
gas peddle when the light turns green. Try to anticipate
traffic flow and drive accordingly, keeping safety in mind
at all times.

3. Lighten the load. If you have a bunch of stuff in your
car that you don’t need with you, store it somewhere else.
The more your car weighs, the more gas the engine must burn.

4. Combine trips. Try to run all your errands at one
time. Planning ahead for what you need to buy and do can
save a lot of trips and miles.

5. Check tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires create
drag and reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 2%. Properly
inflated are safer and they last longer.

6. Use the right gas. Check your owner’s manual for the
right grade of gas for your car. It is a waste of money to
use a higher grade then recommended.

7. Close the gas cap properly. Make sure the seal is
tight. If you buy a replacement cap, make sure it is the
right one for your make and model.

8. Change the air filter regularly. A clogged filter
reduces mileage.

9. Change the spark plugs. Make sure to install new ones
at the appropriate intervals to improve mileage.

10. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. If you have more than
one vehicle, drive the one with the best mileage rating
whenever possible.

I would like to close by asking everyone who reads this
article to please give whatever you can to relief agencies
such as The Red Cross and The Salvation Army, or one of
many other worthy organizations that are working hard to
bring aid and comfort to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Although it hurts to pay more at the pump, it can’t compare
with the agony that so many in the Gulf Coast are enduring.

Thank you.

Danek S. Kaus is a freelance journalist who has published
hundreds of articles on business, personal development and
consumer issues. He is the co-author of the new book,
“Power Persuasion: Using Hypnotic Influence to Win in Life,
Love and Business.” For information, visit
power-persuasion.com/book
Want more gas saving tips and other ideas on how to win in
life? Read The Winner's Edge at http://winnersedge.blogspot.com