Again I pick up the Frugal mantle from Chrys as I discuss Frugal driving techniques. Last week I discusssed my choice of the Hyundai Accent as the ultimate frugal car: less than 1/2 the price of a Prius, 36 mpg, 6 air bags, 100,000 mile warrantee. I was happy, but not surprised when I got 35 mpg on my first 2 tanks of mixed driving. Not surprised because I drive frugally.
Avoid the Draft
“Mythbusters” showed that you can increase your gas mileage 25% by driving 100 feet (10 car lengths) behind a truck. So there is no need to get close to get the extra MPG. When I drive to work, there are usually 6 cars crammed in that 100 feet. Don’t tailgate, just keep the truck in the safe distance ahead of you.
Anticipation
When there is a red light ahead of me, I decelerate immediately. When a light turns green I accelerate gradually, especially when there is no one behind me. I slow as early as possible before sharp exit ramps. I also have a habit, which I cannot recommend, of taking some turns a little too fast to avoid hitting the break, but I can get away with that because my little car is low to the ground and can corner safely at much higher speeds than a normal car.
In control
I have a manual transmission, and the car tells me when to shift for maximum mpg. But many times that is not realistic. Shifting to 5th gear at 38 miles per hour going up a hill won’t use much gas, but only because you’ll stall and crash. Of course with an automatic transmission, those problems are taken care of for you.
Better yet
The best mileage is obtained on the trip you don’t take. So bunch up short trips and line up your stops on a big circle. You’ll save wear and tear on the car and real dollars for gas.
The real cost of gas
Gas is cheap right now, but it really isn’t. When you add up the cost of oil wars, environmental damage from drilling, and the carbon aspects, gas is never cheap. Be part of the solution and drive frugally.
Tom started Verona Living in 2002, and is also responsible for many other sites in the area. 
