Taking the bus is not that hard and sometimes it actually goes where you’re going. Check out routes and schedules for IndyGo.
If you must drive, here are some ideas that will benefit everyone. You’ll be amazed at how much money you can save and how many pounds of CO2 you can avoid releasing into the atmosphere in a year of driving. Most of these tips are simply common sense…but actions we too often don’t think about or do. For example:
- Slow down even more when driving at high speeds. The difference between driving at 75 mph and 55 mph is 20-30 percent savings in gasoline use.
- Avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops.
- Check your tires once a month to make sure they’re properly inflated.
- Combine several errands in one trip.
- Keep your car well-tuned and change oil regularly.
- Don’t carry any excess weight in your vehicle. Every extra 100 pounds costs you 1% in fuel efficiency.
- Carpool to work and for other activities whenever possible.
- Buy a car that gets at least 30 mpg combined city/highway driving. Consider a hybrid model. Several current models get more than 50 mpg.
- Use public transportation if possible.
- Bike or walk.
- Don’t idle your car. It’s bad for modern engines, wastes fuel, and contributes CO2 and other pollutants to the air.
