Your Energy Diet - Driving Habits That Work

We're on a role. The car has been checked and now it's time to drive. Let's begin with a little exaggeration (but not much) on how "a real Texan" drives. If you are from Texas, you can relate to this. If you're not from Texas, you can laugh along with us.

The young (less than 60), macho Texan swaggers out to his fully loaded, gas guzzling, chrome plated, mega-big, exceptionally clean (never used bed), very expensive pick up truck. Without a thought, he starts the engine and reves it up a couple of times (usually less than 10), jerks it into reverse, and peels out of the driveway. Then slams on the brakes (laying rubber), shifts to drive, peels out again, and slams on the brakes to stop at the stop sign just 10 feet away. Then, of course, he peels out again. (Bet his tire dealer loves him.)

OK, the humor is over, but the lessons are there for all of us to see. Yup, we have had a laugh at the expense of "our Texan"; and, if you think about it, we've just hit the mark on some very poor driving habits. We won't go into why some men need the "maximum" pick up truck which is never used as it should be; or why, after a couple of years of high gas prices, he still drives it; or...
No, let's just look at driving habits.

First, when you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Warming it up for a few moments helps performance.

Second, put it in gear and begin in a slow speed. Probably, you are in reverse to back out of your driveway and will need to stop shortly to change gears, so keep the speeed low.

Now, after changing gears, start out at a reasonable speed. Excessive speed to begin your forward motion eats gas. Sudden stops eats rubber (tires). Both will eat up your pocketbook. We won't talk about gravity, or physics, etc. Just remember, there are natural forces working against you, so take it easy.

From the moment you got into the car, you must be alert. There are more cars and trucks on the roads now and not everyone is paying attention. The worst distraction when driving is the cell phone. It takes your mind away from alert driving. DON'T USE IT WHILE DRIVING!

An important reminder -do not shave, apply makeup, or anything else while driving. Just drive!

The following tips will save you money:


1. Never accelerate quickly from a dead stop.
2. Pay attention to traffic & don't follow too close to avoid sudden stops.
3. Start any trip, short or long, with plenty of time to complete it with out speeding.
4. Use the best speed for long trips. We found that the best speed for our car was 59 mph. Try different speeds and check your mpg. We are sure you will find that 75 mph is not fuel efficient.
5. Cut your speed and up your alertness in bad weather.
6. Do nothing risky while driving. Make sure you know what is in front of you, beside you (both sides), and behind you.

We have only hit the basics in this post. But, if you apply what we have presented, you will reap the rewards by saving money AND injury. A word to the wise is sufficient.