Question: If everybody drove at the speed limit — 55 or 65 mph — how much gasoline would be saved?
Answer: Driving at 55 mph, instead of the higher speeds typical of most freeways, could improve gas mileage by 21 percent or more, automotive experts say.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 5 mph you drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional 21 cents a gallon for gasoline.
Reducing your speed isn't the only way to save fuel. Some other tips include:
● Avoid jack rabbit starts. Acceleration uses more gasoline than any other action. Once a vehicle is moving at a given speed, its fuel consumption drops considerably.
● Avoid unnecessary braking. Braking wastes gasoline. Anticipate traffic signals, stop signs and merges so you can brake as little as possible. Following too closely also forces motorists to use the brakes too much, as well as additional gasoline.
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● Eliminate unneeded weight. If you're carrying 100 pounds of unnecessary stuff in your car, you may be costing yourself 1 mpg.
● Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires cost Americans more than 3.5 million gallons of gasoline each day, the Energy Department says.
