As I filled up my car today, at a staggering $2.88/gal (93 oct), I decided that I would have to adapt my driving habits to this ongoing price increase in gasoline.

I decided to limit my driving around town to just those places I absolutely have to go. No more driving just to drive for me, which is a shame 'cause I rather enjoy day trips. Also I've become a less aggressive driver, some might say that is good in and of itself, which is to say I don't rush away from stoplights anymore, I don't "defend" my lane, and I've dropped my speed a tick or two. You might say that my driving has grown more "mature". Although, I'm hardly a old man, prices have dictated that I drive as one........most of the time anyways.

Heck, I've even altered my driving mechanics to try and get more miles per gallon. My car, a 2003 SVT Focus, although a four banger, is tuned for performance not efficiency so I'm giving it less gas leaving stops, short-shifting like crazy, and usually crusing in a gear or two above what I've used before. I also find myself coasting "clutch-in" a lot more than I have in the past.

So how about you guys and gals? Have you made any changes in the way you drive?

I've started to ease up on the gas a bit. I used to like to punch it a bit more than necessary just to hear the exhaust and feel the acceleration, but I've pretty much stopped that the last few days. It's not that I can't afford the gas, it's because it's unnecessary to throw away money like that.

I tend to drive less aggressively, no more flooring it and speeding through parking lots. I also coast down the two major hills on my way to school and the three on the way back.

I coast also. I now ensure that it is downhill all the way to work and back.

Yeah, I drive stick and I dont bring it to 6k nearly as much as I used to. Usually in 5th going 50k...2,000rpm.

Trying to save some gas

Gas is about 2.70 in my area. Since gas hit the 2.00 dollar mark, I have been keeping my AC turned off unless it gets 95F degrees or higher. I also removed my Valentine One from the car to get rid of the temptation to speed. My driving habits have changed big time, too bad I won't see an insurance discount from it.

I haven't changed mine...

Hard to when you pull a 40 mile round-trip every day and the speed limit is 70mph.

I'm thinking I'm gonna have to wait and see what's going on with the alternative fuels when it comes time to buy another car... Ethanol is looking like a damn fine alternative these days...

Quote: Originally Posted by BigAkita I coast also. I now ensure that it is downhill all the way to work and back.

Ya, my Dad always had to walk uphill to school and back home.

Since moving to Minnesota, I started to become more conservative with the way I drive (hey, it's the Wellstone influence). Lightening up on the gas at the green light, coasting more, and, believe it or not, buying the "cheap gas".

I say a huge report on 20/20 the other day about what type of gas a person should put in their cars. Most people, I haven been one of them, put the 93 octane in their vehicles, thinking that it is somehow better for their vehicle. However, the converse is true. You should use the octane rating that is listed in your vehicle's manual. My Jeep's is rated for 87 octane and I used to use 93 all the time.

The report went on to explain a lot of things. The higher octane was originally meant for the older and much heavier cars that came out of Detroit before the new catalytic converters came out. People continued to buy the higher octane so the gas companies just kept it around. Now, the only reason why you would need to use the 93 octane is if you were driving an antique or you are driving a really high performance vehicle, such as a Ferrari.

Well, I get better gas mileage, you might say. Perhaps you might get more miles out of a tank of gas, but when you break it down to how much you are spending per mile, the lower 87 octane comes out to be cheaper per mile than the good stuff (if your vehicle is rated for 87, that is). Also, using the higher octane on an engine rated for 87 puts a lot of undue stress on it, causing "ticks" (or lifter knocks) and other similiar minor problems.

I've been using the cheap stuff for a few months now and I've noticed a HUGE increase in performance in my Jeep. Average gas mileage out on the highway (which is where I am most of the time) is 18.1 mpg whereas I was getting 19.1 with the 93 octane. Also, my fuel injector is kicking in like it should whereas under 93 it would seemed "overwhelmed" when I'd hit the gas.

As far as ethanol gas goes, I fill up with every chance that I can get. It is definately more environmentally friendly than regular gas, plus it's a little cheaper, too.

Anyway, gotta run to work.

Rob

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob Since moving to Minnesota, I started to become more conservative with the way I drive (hey, it's the Wellstone influence). Lightening up on the gas at the green light, coasting more, and, believe it or not, buying the "cheap gas". I say a huge report on 20/20 the other day about what type of gas a person should put in their cars. Most people, I haven been one of them, put the 93 octane in their vehicles, thinking that it is somehow better for their vehicle. However, the converse is true. You should use the octane rating that is listed in your vehicle's manual. My Jeep's is rated for 87 octane and I used to use 93 all the time. The report went on to explain a lot of things. The higher octane was originally meant for the older and much heavier cars that came out of Detroit before the new catalytic converters came out. People continued to buy the higher octane so the gas companies just kept it around. Now, the only reason why you would need to use the 93 octane is if you were driving an antique or you are driving a really high performance vehicle, such as a Ferrari. Well, I get better gas mileage, you might say. Perhaps you might get more miles out of a tank of gas, but when you break it down to how much you are spending per mile, the lower 87 octane comes out to be cheaper per mile than the good stuff (if your vehicle is rated for 87, that is). Also, using the higher octane on an engine rated for 87 puts a lot of undue stress on it, causing "ticks" (or lifter knocks) and other similiar minor problems. I've been using the cheap stuff for a few months now and I've noticed a HUGE increase in performance in my Jeep. Average gas mileage out on the highway (which is where I am most of the time) is 18.1 mpg whereas I was getting 19.1 with the 93 octane. Also, my fuel injector is kicking in like it should whereas under 93 it would seemed "overwhelmed" when I'd hit the gas. As far as ethanol gas goes, I fill up with every chance that I can get. It is definately more environmentally friendly than regular gas, plus it's a little cheaper, too. Anyway, gotta run to work. Rob

Yeah, I agree with ya 100%. If you don't have to use higher octane gas, DON'T. Save yourself some $$$!

Unforunately, there some of us drive cars that do require it, me being one of those folks. That's not to say I can't run on lower octane gas, but the engine computer will retard the timing and spark to compensate at the expense of lower preformance and lower efficiency. High compression engines require the higher octanes. That's just a fact we have to live with.

Quote: Originally Posted by Crazy_J Gas is about 2.70 in my area. Since gas hit the 2.00 dollar mark, I have been keeping my AC turned off unless it gets 95F degrees or higher. I also removed my Valentine One from the car to get rid of the temptation to speed. My driving habits have changed big time, too bad I won't see an insurance discount from it.

Depending on the car, the aerodynamic impact of having the windows down can be worse than running the AC.

Mine have slightly. I still go joyriding sometimes, but I race at the track less. This weekend will be my first track meet in months.

My new Probe GT I bought is much much more fuel efficient, even the way I drive. I never waste the opportunity of a highway on-ramp. I'm a driver, not a commuter. My car is an extension of my personality. I don't mind paying 3 dollars a gallon for premium because people in Europe are paying MUCH more.

Haven't changed mine much. My driving habits always have been heavy footed and thats one really hard habit to break. On that 93 versus 87 octane thing, I wish my car would burn the cheap stuff. I have an '01 VW GTI with the vr6 motor, says everywhere from in the book to the gas cap to use 91 or better gas only. I tried midgrade once just for the heck of it and the poor thing really wasn't happy with me. Oh well, when there is no money left and my house goes cold because I can't afford the oil heat, maybe my poor white behind can get some gobernant assistance.

In the city i was getting 7.2 MPG so I decided to drive to Vegas this time so I can average 12MPG instead on the Hwy.

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob Since moving to Minnesota, I started to become more conservative........Rob

Rob, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd use the "C" word to describe yourself, lol.

PS - yes I took that out of context, but it was still funny

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob Since moving to Minnesota...

Crap, Rob, OPSEC!!! Now you gotta relocate or something... Maybe somewhere there isn't any cheap gas around

It;s about $2.85 here also.

I have changed my habits quite a bit. I'm lighter on the pedal and i don't drive around as much. Pretty much back and forth to work.

haven't changed mine at all...as i've gotten older i just haven't felt the need to romp on it like i used to...
but i have been getting more and more PO'd about the fact that after two wars over oil the average fuel efficiency for new cars in the US is worse than it was 20 years ago...makes me wonder if we're ever gonna get it...

I'm building a commuter bicycle to ride to the bike shop I work weekends at. I don't see a point in driving my work truck to a job I don't have to haul tools to. Here's what I have so far, the rest of the parts are due this week:

Quote: Originally Posted by EstwingMan Rob, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd use the "C" word to describe yourself, lol. PS - yes I took that out of context, but it was still funny

I don't know, you'd be real surprised if you really got to know me (i.e., see your PMs).

WB...I don't live in Minnesota anymore....hehe...