There's not much Eureka residents can do about the price of gas in CA, but we can control - up to a point - how much we use. Our driving habits can dramatically affect our fuel economy.
The first thing we can do is watch the go-pedal. Hard acceleration just sucks the gas. Gently leave stop lights and plan lane changes so you don't need to “floor it”. That can save you hundreds of dollars a year in improved fuel economy.
Go a little slower on CA roads. Eureka residents who go more than 60 mph will see their gas expenses drop dramatically. The common understanding is that going faster burns more fuel and therefore, the slower you drive, the less fuel your car will use, but this actually isn’t true. Most cars’ peak fuel efficiency occurs somewhere between 50-60 miles per hour. Any faster and aerodynamic drag requires your engine to work harder to keep up momentum. Any slower, and your transmission will automatically shift to a lower gear, which requires more fuel to maintain. Driving significantly over or under the legal limit won’t save you any gas money.
Tips to go a little slower:
- Leave early so you don't need to rush to be on time.
- Relax yourself before driving. Being anxious or angry can make you drive more erratically. Take some deep breaths or listen to light music.
- Pay close attention to the speedometer. Occasional glances at the speedometer will keep you in check.
- Use cruise control – steady speeds use less gas.
- Plan errands ahead. Make fewer trips by combining errands around Eureka.
- Be patient. It's neither a race nor a time for zoning out. The objective is to get where you are going safely, staying alert and in control.
With current Eureka gas prices, a lead-foot might as well be a gold foot.
Give us a call.
Eureka Brake & Automotive <br/>707.443-2122 <br/>www.eurekabrake.com
Revised from content contributed by NAPA Service Assistant