September 14, 2005
Expert offers tips to make most out of expensive gasoline
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – With gasoline prices hovering around $3 per gallon around the country, a Purdue expert in energy conservation says people can make changes to the way they drive to help make their vehicles more efficient.
Heather L. Cooper, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology, says the rise in gas prices gives people a good reason to limit the amount of gas they are using. Even if prices decrease, these strategies can help drivers to conserve oil, a limited resource.
She offers several suggestions to improve gas mileage:
• When running the air conditioner, do so on the recirculation setting to minimize the work to maintain a constant temperature in the vehicle. In addition, setting the air conditioner at a comfortable temperature and not adjusting it will use less fuel than turning it on and off as needed.
• For pickup trucks, drive with the tailgate up, rather than down or removed completely. A well-sealed cover or cap can improve mileage by reducing drag across the truck bed.
• For longer highway trips, lower speeds are better. When driving above 55 or 60 mph, gas mileage drops significantly. Keep the engine load fairly even and use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed.
• Use less expensive regular gasoline with a lower octane, as opposed to more expensive premium options (unless premium is required for your vehicle). Higher octanes do not provide benefits unless your engine is not working well.
• Keep tires inflated to manufacturers' recommendations and make sure your car is in good working order through regular maintenance.
• Do not allow the car to idle for long periods. If you expect to be waiting in one place, turn the engine off.
"When driving in town, it is difficult to conserve fuel while making a lot of stops," said Cooper, a former engineer at General Motors Corp. and a researcher with the Purdue Energy Center in Discovery Park. "People should remember that driving less also conserves energy and fuel. Try to combine errands into one or two weekly trips. Plan your trips around town in advance to minimize distances and eliminate backtracking."
Cooper said even small adjustments in driving make a big difference in the amount of money saved at the pump. For example, for someone who drives 15,000 miles a year in a car that averages 25 miles per gallon, an increase in gas mileage of only 2 mpg would save more than $120 annually at current gas prices.
Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu
Source: Heather L. Cooper, (765) 494-9653, hcooper@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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