Then, when the price of gas just kept climbing, and climbing, and climbing, I even went so far as to try to understand it.
I found some help at the Alliance to Save Energy. This non-profit organization, formed in 1977 to foster more efficient use of energy, includes some very prominent people involved in U.S. government and business.
But don't hold that against them. Although some of the information is understandably specific to the American economy, like depleted U.S. oil reserves, the ASE also provides some general background information about energy prices that is applicable to our global economy, including the role of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, otherwise known as OPEC.
Basically, I learned what my economics professor taught me many years ago: prices will rise when demand exceeds supply.
Since I can't do anything about supply, I figure it's time to dust off what we supposedly learned way back in the 70's, and concentrate on my demand by changing a few of my driving habits. According to experts, the following tips will increase gas mileage:
- Tune up before you turn on. Peak condition means peak performance at the gas pumps too, and includes everything from oil and filter changes to tire inflation and wheel alignments.
- Lighten up. Take the bowling balls out of the trunk, and put them in the closet unless you're actually going to use them. Lighter vehicles use less gas. Avoid carrying stuff on your roof rack, and also keep your windows closed on the highway especially. These two things create a drag effect, and will decrease your gas mileage. You probably paid for an aerodynamically-designed vehicle, so you might as well let it work for you.
- Plan ahead. Instead of making a bunch of little road trips – to the market, to the cleaners, to the post office – arrange to do it all in one trip instead. This one will end up saving you some precious time as well as money.
- Turn off. Turn off the air conditioner, and don't let your engine idle, either.
- Drop out. Maybe it's time to park the SUV and investigate other modes of transportation. You really do have options, at least some of the time: public transit, car pools, and even walking may be some of the choices available to you. At the very least, stop automatically buying premium gas at the pumps. Although lower grade fuel may not work for some cars, it's worth a try.
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