Save gas on the road with a few easy steps

06:37 PM CDT on Wednesday, October 12, 2005

From 11 News Staff Reports

Video: Energy saving tips

Video: More energy saving tips

Gas prices are sky high, and public utility companies, such as Reliant and TXU, want to increase their rates.

It seems consumers are paying more for energy at home and on the road.

Houstonians love their cars, and it’s no secret they’re paying the price at the pumps, but there are some things that can be done to cut gasoline costs.

Stay the speed limit

Cars get better gas mileage driving 40 to 60 mph, which is a savings of 21 to 71 cents per gallon.

For every 5 miles over 60 mph driven, it will cost an additional 21 cents per gallon, because higher speeds demand more fuel to overcome wind resistance.

Accelerating and breaking also costs more and lowers gas mileage by one-third.

Keep your car tuned-up

A tune-up can save about 6 cents per gallon. Driving with a clogged air filter wastes 31 cents per gallon.

Requesting synthetic oil for the vehicle will cost more initially, but it will improve gas mileage by 25 percent. Using the recommended oil grade will save 3 to 6 cents per gallon.

Properly inflated tires are safer and longer-lasting and can save 9 cents per gallon.

Clean it out

An extra 100 pounds in a car can cost anywhere from 3 to 6 cents per gallon, so remove unnecessary objects.

Also, don't leave your car idling to warm it up, or for any other reason. You're just wasting gasoline.

And finally, the advice most drivers are likely following already: Shop around for the best prices.