I love the smell of gasoline in the morning

My car hit a new record last weekend …. it drove an estimated 60 miles on practically empty. Driving from Long Island back to upstate New York, the fact that I could fill up my tank in New Jersey for so much less than anywhere else on the way influenced my judgement and instead of doing the smart thing (stopping ANYWHERE else) I just kept on driving …. while my gas gauge had hit E miles ago (like when I left my house.)

So as I was driving over the George Washington Bridge with a lot of angry tri-state area drivers and imagining myself stranded in the middle of the bridge, I tried to remember everything I’d read about gas economy so I could get myself that few extra miles.

Here’s what I’ve got (supported by some research since I actually didn’t remember that much):

DRIVE SLOWER. I used to be a big speeder. But then I realized how much gas I was wasting/my PBA card expired and I got 2 speeding tickets. Cars get the best fuel economy at 55 to 60 mph, as much as another 2 to 4 miles to the gallon. Also take it easy on the brake pedals, slow to a stop. You’ll save money on repairs, as well.

SUFFER THROUGH THE COLD. I take a certain pleasure in reporting this since my parents would always scold me for not warming up my engine in the winter. But Consumer Guide says most cars only need about 30 seconds to warm up. Letting it run idle just wastes gas.

THINK AERODYNAMIC. There’s a lot of debate about driving with your windows up or down but driving with them up just makes more sense if you think about it. Especially on highways when the air is rushing past your car at higher speeds, keeping the windows down can decrease your fuel economy by 10 percent. Also stay away from roof racks (plus they’re silly-looking) and opening your moon/sun roof.

MAINTENANCE. Keep your tires inflated to the right pressure (you can find it for your specific make in the user’s manual), which can increase fuel economy by about 3 percent, and make sure your air filter is clean, which can increase fuel economy by about 10 percent.

…. last but not least….

BE THE EARLY BIRD. Try to fill your tank on cool mornings when gas is denser. Gas pumps measure by volume, so if you fill up when it’s denser, you get more for your money. Also, try to avoid filling up when Mr. Delivery Man is refilling the pumps - it will stir up the sediment and what-not that’s left over from the old gas which will end up in your tank.

For other fun tips, go to www.howstuffworks.com.