How to Pay $0.28 More for Gas

Let's start with pure fuel efficiency. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, "... each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.28 per gallon for gas." So, let's examine a car that gets 20 miles per gallon when you drive optimally. Example: on a 180 mile trip, you'll use nine gallons of gas if you're going the optimal 60 miles per hour. Now, pump the speed up to 65 miles per hour ... you save about 14 minutes. However, you're using up $2.52 in extra gas. On a per hour basis, you are essentially saving $10.80 per hour – and that's after taxes – by driving 5 miles per hour slower. Other tips include: don't drive aggressively, don't tailgate, remove excess weight, leave your wife home, avoid excessive idling.