Unlocking Your Vehicle's Eco-Side
Getting more out of a tank of gasoline
By Dave Chalk

July 21 | archive | subscribe

We all know the best way to save money on gas and help the environment is to drive less, buy a hybrid or utilize public transportation. Let's face it, though – convincing people to ditch their cars is akin to requesting that they stop using their cell phones. For better or worse, we are creatures of habit. The good news is that you don't need to put your ride on blocks to save the world – just drive smarter. To reduce your ‘tireprint' follow these ten tips:

Get a move on
When you're behind the wheel there is no time like the present to get going. Modern cards only need a few minutes to warm up.

Ride high
Keeping your tires properly inflated can boost gas mileage by 5 per cent, increase safety and extend tire life. So, pick up a tire gauge, check your tire sidewalls for the recommended PSI and top them off every few weeks.

Lighten your lead foot
Studies show that driving 105 in a 90 zone can lower your car's gas mileage by 15 per cent. Slowing down isn't just safe, it's cost-efficient.

Know the sweet spot
Every car has a speed at which it is most fuel-efficient. Typically, this just happens to coincide with the speed limit on most secondary roads. If you're not sure what your car's sweet spot is, check with your car dealer. To maintain this speed, utilize your cruise control feature. Most engines are set up to deliver more power and torque when cruise control is engaged, so use it.

Play with lights
What burns the most gas is getting your vehicle moving, not keeping it moving. So the longer you can maintain forward momentum without coming to a complete stop, the less fuel you will consume. Approach red lights slowly and try to time your arrival at the intersections just before the light turns to green. That saves you a stop and allows you to keep moving more or less steadily.

Hit the high road
Since stop signs, red lights and stop-and-go traffic consume more fuel more than almost any other negative factor or bad habit, head for the freeway if possible, and stay on it for as long as possible.

Greet gravity
When you're going downhill remember to leave your accelerator alone; use a minimum amount of power to keep moving at a sensible cruising speed.

Idle less
Fact: restarting your engine does not waste gas. With that in mind, turn your engine off whenever you can; while sitting at long red lights, waiting for trains and especially when waiting to pick someone up.

Get dynamic
Aerodynamic. The less your vehicle has to fights its way through a wall of air, the lower its fuel consumption will be. To minimize drag while on the highway, keep your windows rolled up. If you have a roof-rack, remove it in the off-season and be sure to add a streamlined shield when it's on. If you drive a pick-up, consider swapping out your tailgate for a mesh net.

Find a good mechanic
Without a good wrench to monitor what's happening under your good, all your green intentions can go down the train. Poorly tuned engines can waste 4 to 40 per cent more fuel than those kept humming.

Since you will inevitably have to fill up your tank sooner or later, be sure to check online for the cheapest gas prices. Personally, I like gasbuddy.com. Alternatively, if you are particularly resourceful and have a knack for chemistry, consider the ‘u-brew' biodiesel option that is rising in popularity. A growing number of people are making their own fuel using a few simple ingredients, including deep-fry oil and a processor. Although I'm quite ready for this just yet, if gas prices continue to climb it may be the way of the future.

GEMINI - Angelina Jolie (May 21-June 21)

Gemini is symbolized by the Twins. You're flexible, sometimes feeling split in two directions and don't know what to do! Gemini's great gift is communication the are talkative, witty and intellectual. Jolie was bound from the beginning to follow her own path toward self-knowledge and enlightenment. They will not rely on the teachings of others, but instead must learn everything firsthand, regardless of the cost.

Other Gemini philanthrostars: Former President John F. Kennedy, Wynonna Judd, Brooke Shields, Clint Eastwood, Heidi Klum, Marilyn Monroe, Morgan Freeman, Wentworth Miller, Anna Kournikova, Kanye West, Johnny Depp, Michael J. Fox, Elizabeth Hurley, Courteney Cox, Paul McCartney, Paula Abdul, Nicole Kidman