Investing in a new car may be attractive at first thought but a well-maintained car can run like new and use less gas- without the addition of a monthly car note. A careful review of the business traveler's needs could shine a different light on whether or not the Cash for Clunkers program saves the business traveler money.
Business Travelers Waste Money with Aggressive Driving
A few changes in driving habits can save car drivers up to 33% at the pump. Automobile drivers who drive aggressively- speeding, rapid acceleration and braking- waste gas, according to an article entitled "Gas Mileage Tips," on the the U.S. Department of Energy web site, fueleconomy.gov. Speeding can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by five percent around town. Also, it makes sense to not drive aggressively because becoming involved in an automobile accident is dangerous, time consuming and can make business travelers terribly late for an appointment- among other things.
Automobiles reach optimal fuel economy at different speeds but gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Assume that each five miles per hour driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional $.24 per gallon for gas, the web site said.
Fuel Economy Benefit: seven to 23 percent/Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.17-$0.56/gallon
Extra Weight can Negatively Impact Business Travelers on the Road
An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle could reduce miles per gallon by up to two percent. Avoid driving around heavy or unnecessary items--especially if the car is a compact or sub-compact because extra weight affects smaller vehicles more so than larger cars.
Fuel Economy Benefit: one to two percent/100 pounds/Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.02-$0.05/gallon
(Although these examples of fuel savings may seem minuscule, try getting $10 in gasoline with only $9.95. It won't work, so every penny counts.)
Other Bad Habits for Business Travelers to Avoid
Remember, car idling gets zero miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle, than do cars with smaller engines. Catching up on paperwork or waiting for co-workers in a car makes sense with the engine off, although waiting inside may be the best solution during the winter months. Another gas saver is remembering to use cruise control on the highway. This function helps cars maintain a constant speed and will save gas.
Business Travel Tips- Maintenance
Get a tune-up. Repairing a car that is noticeably out-of-tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of four percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40%. A properly inflated tire will improve gas mileage about three percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
The U.S. Department of Energy's web site, fueleconomy.gov, does not recommend using the maximum pressure for tires as printed on the tire's sidewall. The proper tire pressure is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, the glove box or in the owner's manual.
More Maintenance Tips for Business Travelers
Improve gas mileage by up to two percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower gas mileage by the same percentages. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the American Petroleum Industry performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carburetor engine may improve fuel economy two to six percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects driving.
However, replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines does not improve fuel economy but it can improve acceleration time by around six to 11 percent. This type of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the early 1980s onward, according to fueleconomy.gov.
The best gas and money saver of all time: cutting back on non business-related driving. It helps the environment and saves gas.
Business Road Travel Tips
- Don’t drive aggressively
- Speeds over 60 MPH use more gas
- Don’t carry around extra weight in a car
- Do not to let the car idle while waiting
- Get a tune-up and other recommended repairs sooner rather than later
- Use the recommended tire pressure for an auto
- Replace clogged air filters on carburetor engines
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