TIP: Reduce Gas Consumption on your Road Trip, part 3

TIP: Next week I'm going on a driving vacation, so this topic is very timely for me. Whether you're going on a driving vacation or just driving to work each day, you can save money using less gas by changing your driving habits, according to The Daily Green. This is Part Three of series on saving money by changing your driving habits.

*Avoid idling. While you're waiting in your car picking up your kid, or waiting for a frieght train to pass by, you're wasting gas. Turn the motor off if you'll be sitting still for more than one minute.


*Check tire pressure. Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer (check the sticker on your driver's side door) and use 3-5% less gas.


*Don't tailgate. My pet peeve! Not only is this annoying habit dangerous, it wastes gas with the constant braking and accelerating and contributes to road rage!


*Use cruise control. Sure and steady wins the race, as the saying goes. Apparently it's true. The research team at Edmunds.com research say you can improve your gas mileage by 15% by using a steady speed with cruise control as compared to inconsistent speeds and frequent lane changing.