Gas Saving Tips for the Small Business
As the price of gas inches (or maybe we should say leaps) its way to $4 a gallon, it has sparked a fervent cry for better fuel efficiency. If your business depends on transportation by car, truck, utility vehicle, etc then the added cost of a gallon of gas can be a real strain on your cash flow- especially at a time when business may be slow due to the cooling economy.By following these simple tips on fuel-conservation, you can take advantage of significant fuel savings so you can use your resources where you need them the most- running your business.
Change your driving habits:
The bottom line here is that aggressive driving will ruin your fuel efficiency. Therefore, stay away from revving up the engine and quick acceleration. Also try to avoid high speed travel. According to the Department of Energy, for every 5 mph that you drive over 65 mph, you will experience a 7% decrease in fuel economy. On long stretches of relatively flat highway, use your cruise control set at the posted speed limit, and on a downhill allow the vehicle’s momentum to pick up speed in order to coast up the next hill.
Stay away from the crowds:
Where possible plan an alternative route to avoid stop-and-go traffic, and congested roads, and try to schedule your business travel outside of rush hours and peak shopping times.
Maintain your vehicles:
By keeping your vehicles in good working order, you can improve your gas mileage up to 15%. Make sure to send your vehicles for regularly scheduled tune-ups. Also remember to replace your air filter and properly (but not overly) inflate your tires.
Plan for multiple destinations:
According to the Department of Energy, a vehicle uses more gas with a cold start than when the engine is warm. Thus, several short trips that began with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip with the same mileage. Plan out beforehand where you need to go and combine several destinations into one trip. You could also carpool among several employees.
Don’t sit idle:
If it looks like you are going to be stuck in one place for a short while (ie not long enough for the engine to completely cool down) then turn off the engine. Idling can waste up to a quart of gas every 15 minutes.
Get an eco-friendly vehicle:
There are a huge selection of hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles on the market. Check out this site to find the best vehicle to suit your needs.
Lose weight:
The more weight that you have in your vehicle the more gas it takes to make it go. Therefore, make sure to take out any unnecessary items from the trunk or truck bed.
Know when to use the AC:
When traveling at higher speeds, it is better to use the AC and to keep your windows up in order to lower air-resistance. With slower driving you should open to windows to cool down.
For more information on gas-saving techniques and fuel-efficient vehicles check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
