Ways to save money on gas

Tenoldmen · 07-17-2005, 03:02 PM

After reading the posts some Titan owners have made about the burden of gas prices, I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread with tips and/or ideas about how to save money on gas...other than not driving.

One way I thought of was by getting a cashback credit card and using that to buy gas. The best one is a Citi Card with 5% cashback on gas, groceries, and drug stores.

At the end of the year, its not a whole lot of money compared to what is spent, but its better than nothing back.

I will probably end up getting one of those cards.

Anyone else have any other ideas? Tonneau covers help MPG, right?

*TitanTough1* · 07-17-2005, 03:07 PM

Take off the tailgate if you cannot afford a cover. Get a nylon tailgate for 10-20 dollars at WallyWorld.

TOK · 07-17-2005, 05:12 PM

Drive like there are eggs on the pedals. You will save gas this way, and it's also the same advice you'll get when you ask someone how they've made a vehicle last 250,000 miles with no major engine or transmission problems.

wrenrj1 · 07-17-2005, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTough1

Take off the tailgate if you cannot afford a cover. Get a nylon tailgate for 10-20 dollars at WallyWorld.

Oops! not so true...Keep the tailgate on. There are several studies on this that show that this is not necessarily true...

Having a cover is the best, but keep the tailgate on.

DryHeat · 07-17-2005, 05:54 PM

Car pool and take public transportation when possible.

*TitanTough1* · 07-17-2005, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrenrj1

Keep the tailgate on.

Simple drag principles would lead me to believe that the tail gate acts in the same manner as speed brakes do on an airplane. I would be interested in reading something that scientifically proves otherwise.

TOK · 07-17-2005, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTough1

Simple drag principles would lead me to believe that the tail gate acts in the same manner as speed brakes do on an airplane. I would be interested in reading something that scientifically proves otherwise.

There is a study done on it, perhaps someone could point out the link online.
The tailgate actually creates a swirl in the bed (as anyone with a sliding rear window can attest) and it forms a little "bubble" of air that keeps air over the truck moving smoothly. The difference is only 1 or 2%, but aerodynamics are better with the gate up. I was amazed by this too.

Clint · 07-17-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTough1

Simple drag principles would lead me to believe that the tail gate acts in the same manner as speed brakes do on an airplane. I would be interested in reading something that scientifically proves otherwise.

Ask and you shall receive:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/colum...ctober/05.html

Clint

PHOEBISIS · 07-17-2005, 09:31 PM

Proper tire pressure-light on the gas,and get off the gas early-if you have to use the brakes much,you are staying on the gas too long.Anticipate stops and get your foot off the gas.This is about it when it come to practical stuff to improve mpg.Well,drive slowly on the hy,of course.The slower the better for mpg(get run down from behind though,so 60 or is the practical lower limit on most hy).There is no"sweet spot" in respect to mpg"I get better mpg at 55 than at 45".Not with modern transmissions and fuel injection etc.There is a tiny chance with lock up top gears that there might be a very narrow range where there might be a sweet spot at the lower limit of lockup,but not worth considering..Charlie

Thrust_Titan · 07-17-2005, 10:30 PM

walk, ride a bike, hitch a ride, call for a cab, take public transportation, car jack, ride a horse,

KTMNealio · 07-17-2005, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTough1

Simple drag principles would lead me to believe that the tail gate acts in the same manner as speed brakes do on an airplane. I would be interested in reading something that scientifically proves otherwise.

Speed brakes on an airplane are directly in the airstream, while the tailgate sits behind the cab. Just like your dog doesn't get blown out when he is standing in your bed and you are driving down the road.
They way I understand it a high pressure area is created inside your bed, which then directs the flowing air over the tailgate, so the drag people think is happening is actually not present. Think of NASCAR where they are drafting. The front car pushes the air out of the way so the 2nd car doesn't have to do as much work.
- Nealio

devilpuppy · 07-18-2005, 07:03 AM

Some tips

1. Get a tonneau cover, it saves on the drag you get.
2. Don't run the air conditioner unless neccessary.
3. At long stop lights, put the truck in neutral.
4. Avoid fast starts and sudden stops.
5. Carpool
6. Switch vehicles
7. On hot days, park in the shade. Hot weather can evaporate gas in the tank.
8. Have correct tire pressure.

Wake County Titan · 07-18-2005, 08:15 AM

Sell your truck.

Treebasher · 07-18-2005, 09:33 AM

Try and keep it below 2000 RPMs (~ 70 mph - on my SE Crew w/OR package). You'll feel like you're driving Miss Daisy, but it helps.

KTMNealio · 07-18-2005, 10:58 AM

I only seee about a 1 to 2 mpg difference between hot-rodding it and driving like a grandma. Which is cool because I hot-rod it MOST of the time..

- Nealio