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Things you can do to save gas/money

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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 12:06 AM
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Default Things you can do to save gas/money

I just paid 10 bucks at the pump (crappy 92 octane Speedway Gas = 2.99/gallon), and my gas needle didn't even reach the first increment on my SC4.
So here's a thread dedicated to discuss little things that can save you gas and money.

Here's a few I can think of.

1. On highway, tail-gate someone. Less drag, thus better gas mileage. (but dangerous)

2. Weight saving (leave your spare at home along with anything else unnecessary)

3. No AC, open your window but very slightly to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Another interesting fact:
1. Gas price changes everyday except sunday.
2. Gas price is likely to change the most on Wed, the middle of weekdays.

edit: Now that I think about it, it costs 60 dollars to fill up an empty tank of SC4. (20 gallon tank x $ 2.99 )

Last edited by ChronoJ1; Aug 17, 2005 at 12:10 AM.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 12:16 AM
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Dang, this must have really bugged you. You're postin' mighty late.

Before gas started to jump in price by 25 cents or more, prices used to change on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But lately, at least around my parts, it's been going up the most on Mondays and usually comes down a bit for the rest of the week.

If you want to save gas, try to accelerate slowly from a stop and just plain drive slower. I got great gas mileage, for the 4Runner anways, on my trip to Ann Arbor. I drove 70 on the expressway and hung with the semi's in the right lane.

Also make sure you have your tires properly inflated. Try and check them every time you get gas.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 04:24 AM
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Originally Posted by ChronoJ1
1. On highway, tail-gate someone. Less drag, thus better gas mileage. (but dangerous)

2. Weight saving (leave your spare at home along with anything else unnecessary)


I don't recommend tailgating.......even aside from the danger issue and no stopping distance.
The reduction in airflow and drag that adds to fuel economy can also cut way down on the amount of air going through the radiator, resulting in overheating.

Man...I would LOVE to leave MY spare tire at home......unfortunately I can't.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 07:29 AM
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Use a bike, the man powered kind, to get around.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 01:25 PM
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Walk...really fast
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Richie
Use a bike, the man powered kind, to get around.
this is an excellent idea... not only do you save gas, but it's a lot cheaper than a gym membership too.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Leets
this is an excellent idea... not only do you save gas, but it's a lot cheaper than a gym membership too.
Yeah and after you stop being a fat *** when you do get to drive your car it'll have less load to haul and hence get even better mileage. j/k
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 06:05 PM
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www.gasbuddy.com


Free website of user compilations of REAL TIME gas prices, in your area by ZIP CODE. Get the latest info on which station has gas at the cheapest price in your town, at the exact time you want to fill up.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by ChronoJ1
I
1. On highway, tail-gate someone. Less drag, thus better gas mileage. (but dangerous)
please tell me you are kidding
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by DC52E55
please tell me you are kidding
Well, I don't recommend it, but it does work.
I watched it somewhere on TV how race cars tailgating the car in the front is able to achieve higher speed at a straight line.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ChronoJ1
Well, I don't recommend it, but it does work.
I watched it somewhere on TV how race cars tailgating the car in the front is able to achieve higher speed at a straight line.

But you are not tailgating a pro/race car drivers on the freeway and you know how crazy some drivers on the freeways are.

Anyhow, tailgating someone in the bike race saves you a lot of energy and i am not sure if you can gain higher speed at a straight line by tailgating someone because you can only go as fast or slower than whoever in the front if you are tailgating.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by ChronoJ1
Well, I don't recommend it, but it does work.
I watched it somewhere on TV how race cars tailgating the car in the front is able to achieve higher speed at a straight line.
That would be NASCAR.
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Leets
this is an excellent idea... not only do you save gas, but it's a lot cheaper than a gym membership too.
LOL, depends on how expensive the bike is you are going to buy for it.
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by ChronoJ1
Well, I don't recommend it, but it does work.
I watched it somewhere on TV how race cars tailgating the car in the front is able to achieve higher speed at a straight line.
It can lead to overheating, though, due to reduced airflow in the radiator...see my last post.
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 12:25 PM
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Tailgating is more likely to get you a ticket or rear end collision that will be your fault which will negate any small amount of money you are saving in gas. Plus it pisses people off and you may have to deal with a keyed car, deflated tires, broken nose, etc just to save a few pennies if it really works. Tailgating in NASCAR and other racing events that in general cars do not stop, are traveling over 150mph, and the only objective is going as fast as you can and winning is a hell of alot different then tailgating while driving in the general public where it is unacceptable and extremely dangerous. Tailgating is not a means of saving on gas on public highways.
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