With fuel prices on the rise there is an abundance of fuel-saving tips.  People advise not to carry extra weight in your trunk, drive gently and combine your errands.  However, the one tip that will allow you to save the most is to slow down.

In the average sedan, every 10 mph over 60 is equivalent to gas prices rising 54 cents per gallon.  When you are traveling on the highway, your vehicle is in the highest gear with relatively low rpm’s.  In order for your vehicle to maintain speed it has to overcome the friction of the tires on the roadway, it’s moving parts, and especially the flow of air around it.

At high speeds, it takes up 40% of a vehicle’s energy to push around air.  It makes the task even more difficult the faster you go.  There is much more wind resistance at 70-80mph than 50-60mph.

If a vehicle at 65mph gets approximately 28 mpg, driving 75mph would only get you 24mpg.  If you drive slower, at 55mph, you could save even more.  In fact, the 55mph speed limit was set in 1974 as a response to the energy crisis of the time.

With the tough economy, consumers need all the help they can get.  Saving on fuel is a big help, and all they have to do is slow down.  After shelling out money for maintenance, an auto warranty, and financing, motorists don’t want to have to waste money on gas.