Want to Save a Bundle on Fuel?

By Paul Eisenstein July 3rd, 2008

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classic-gas-pump.jpgWant to save a bundle on each tank of gas? Slow down.

It may seem like there's not much difference between going 70 and 75 mph, but according to Department of Energy data, that 5 mph difference equals a roughly 5 percent difference in fuel consumption. Cut your speed from 75 to 55, and you'll boost your mileage by as much as 30 percent, says the DOE.

Put another way, reports the Detroit News, you'll save the equivalent of 30 cents a gallon in the typical American vehicle for every 5 mph you slow down from 75.

Of course, there's a downside. Long trips might take significantly longer - nearly an extra 2.5 hours for a five-hour jaunt at 55 mph compared with 75. The time taken for short jaunts, however, is negligible. At 75 mph, that 10-mile commute would take about 8 minutes - if roads are clear, which isn't common at rush hour - but less than 11 minutes at 55.

There's going pressure on lawmakers, as I note in a separate blog entry, to reduce speed limits, which have been creeping up since Congress loosened the limits on states. But truckers and other motoring groups are expected to put up a strong fight of their own.

There are other ways to save fuel, from checking your tires to tuning your engine, according to the site, fueleconomy.gov. Every 1 psi below the proper rating will lower mileage by 0.4 percent. Since most Americans tend to never check their tires, it's not unusual for pressures to be off 5 pounds. That means a 2 percent mileage loss, or as much as a half mile a gallon, on a typical compact to midsize sedan.

Meanwhile, if you're running around with a trunk seat or backseat full of stuff, consider cleaning house, er, car. Every 100 pounds of added weight can curb your mileage anywhere up to a full mile per gallon, experts reveal, depending on your vehicle.

What are YOU doing to save fuel?

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Is the Double-Nickel Coming Back?

By Paul Eisenstein July 3rd, 2008

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Speed Limit 55It's back...or at least it may be soon.

Lawmakers across the country are starting to reconsider the "double nickel" speed limit, which was implemented back in the mid-1970s, following the first Mideast oil shock. (Actually, the figure was originally a snail's pace 50, until Congress caved in to the trucking lobby and raised the speed limit to a speedier turtle's 55.)

Back then, lawmakers were worried about finding sufficient supplies to fuel American cars. These days, though tight, there's enough to go around, but the more fuel used, the more the demand, and the more likely prices will keep rising. And from an environmentalist standpoint, the more fuel you use, the more CO2, a key greenhouse gas, you'll pump into the atmosphere.

There's a case to be made. A car averaging 32.4 miles per gallon at a steady highway speed of 55 will only get 26.8 mpg at 70, according to Department of Energy statistics, and a mere 24.8 mpg at 75. (See a separate story on saving money by slowing down.)

Of course, there's a counterargument. Drive from San Diego to San Francisco, or Boston to Richmond, Virginia, both about 500-mile runs, and you'll spend an extra 2.4 hours on the road. That adds up not only to lost time, but additional highway fatigue and frustration, which can translate into accidents and road rage.

Nonetheless, you shouldn't be surprised to see the debate heat up. After one state lawmaker proposed a resolution calling on Congress to reinstate the double-nickel limit, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "I think it's something we might want to take a look at." Bills, meanwhile, have been introduced in both Minnesota and Vermont to lower speed limits to 55. The political pressures are mounting on government officials to do something - anything.

What's your take on driving 55?

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