The Cost of Bad Driving

Did you know there’s a cost to “bad driving”? Literally. Every day, Americans are burning an alarming amount of money with gas-guzzling driving habits. Bad habits like speeding, jack-rabbit stopping and accelerating, and driving with your windows down are costing you at the pump.  

With summer road trip season upon us it’s time to get street smart, so prepare for cost-effective driving by following these tips from Plaza Tire Service and Michelin:

 1.       Maintain proper tire pressure - Under-inflated tires cut fuel economy. Save 12-15 cents per gallon by keeping them inflated to the recommended level.[i] Plaza Tire Service will give you a free tire inspection without an appointment– be sure to stop by before you head off on your road trip to maximize fuel efficiency!  And if you are in the market for new tires, visit plazatireservice.com to get a free tire quote

Average Yearly Savings: $72

2.       Don’t speed - Driving over 50mph decreases gas mileage rapidly. Observing the marked speed limit when driving on the highway or Interstate can save you money. 

Average Yearly Savings: $150-$300 (Average savings of 7%-14% for each 5-10 mph drivers don’t go over the speed limit)

3.       Avoid carting around unnecessary items - Save 2% on your MPG for every 100 pounds[ii].

 Average Yearly Savings: $44 per every 100lbs

4.       Avoid hauling cargo on your roof - Save around 2%-17% miles per gallon depending on whether you are driving in towns and cities, a highway or the Interstate.[iii]

Average Yearly Savings: $42-378

5.       Don’t drive aggressively- Jack-rabbit acceleration and stopping wastes gas. Save 5% (city/town driving) - 33% (highway/Interstate)[iv]

 Average Yearly Savings: $125-546

6.       Keep your windows closed when driving above 55mph – Open windows reduce gas mileage by as much as 10%.[v]

 Average Yearly Savings: $202

7.       Consider a low rolling resistance tire, like Michelin Defender® - With fuel prices continuing to rise, the MICHELIN® Defender™, marked with MICHELIN’s GREEN X® designation, provides greater fuel-efficiency. You can save up to $20 in fuel ($250 over the life of the tires @ $3.50 gallon)[vi]

 Average Yearly Savings: $40

 Following these tips could net you a total savings of $675-$1,582 per year!

 Bonus Tips:

• Use GasBuddy or Gas Guru to find the cheapest gas near you
• Tip the nozzle – Tip the pump nozzle 180 while still in your tank as there is likely an extra ounce or two of gas still in there.

[i] Triple Pundit (http://www.triplepundit.com/2013/12/cut-fuel-costs-15-cents-gallon)

[ii] Department of Energy (http://www.fueleconomy.gov)

[iii] Department of Energy (http://www.fueleconomy.gov)

[iv] Department of Energy (http://www.fueleconomy.gov)

[v] Safe Motorist (http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/Best_Gas_Mileage.aspx)

[vi] Based on fuel efficiency estimates from rolling resistance testing versus the Yokohama Avid TRZ 215/60R16 over the 90,000-mile limited treadlife warranty of the MICHELIN® Defender tire. Actual on-road savings may vary.