ADVERTISEMENT
TIPS & ADVICE

Drive Smarter, Save Money

Do this one thing and burn gas more efficiently. Get more gas-saving tips.

Print RSS Share Facebook Twitter
Driving at or below 55 miles per hour saves you money
Photo: Micah Bowerbank / Istock

By Brian Clark Howard

On the highway, try not to exceed a speed of 55 miles per hour. Not only are you less likely to get into an accident, but the faster you drive, the more fuel your vehicle consumes per mile. That means more money and more greenhouse gases.

At 65 mph you're burning 10% more fuel than at 55, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. At 70 you lose 17% of your fuel economy, and at 75 it’s 25%. The numbers get worse from there.

Even though you may thrive off living in the fast lane, if the national speed limit were reset to 55, it would save 1 billion barrels of oil per year — more than the U.S. imports from the Persian Gulf.

The reason why is simple physics. As your engine heats up at higher speeds, it burns gas faster. Plus, all that increased resistance from air and road drag you down. Learn more here.


Print RSS Share Facebook Twitter

Comments  |  Add a comment

so far..
loading.. please wait

ADVERTISEMENT
No-VOC Paints
Money Saving Tips
Save Energy At Home
Calculate Your Impact
Search for a location:
Enter your city or zip code to get your local temperature and air quality and find local green food and recycling resources near you.

ADVERTISEMENT
Hearst Digital Media