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Save Gas By Preparing Your Takeoff

November 23, 2007 by Simon

I just read this article at Daily Fuel Economy Tip about little things you can do before starting your car to avoid idling. Here’s the list with some additions of my own:

Put on your seat belt

Flip through your CDs and insert your mp3 memory stick 

Adjust side and rear view mirrors

Make sure children are buckled in

Roll down your windows (yes, some people, myself included, still have cars without automatic windows)

Remove ice from the car windows in winter

Wait for your spouse to get into the car

Over at the Daily Fuel Economy Tip they talk about saving 10-30 seconds of idling. I wouldn’t go through a lot of pains for just 30 seconds myself as I have a diesel that uses very little fuel at idle and the previous owner of the car recommended to idle for 30 seconds to let the turbo get lubrication before taking off.

If you have a gas car on the other hand, or if you idle for minutes waiting for a friend or spouse to join you, there is money to be had by not starting before all passengers are on board and ready to go.

I think I should make an idle savings calculator to complement the gas mileage calculator. What do you think? Post a comment with your ideas!

Dedicatied to improving your fuel economy,

Simon Byholm
MilesGallon.com