Driving Tips & Hints for Low Vision & Disabled Drivers

See Me Drive > Low Vision Driving > Driving Tips To Save Gas [2]

Driving Tips To Save Gas [2]

Cruise Control Is Your Friend
Maintaining a steady and safe speed is important on highways. It is very, very easy not to notice that you are doing 70 miles per hour in a 55 MPH zone. Using your car's cruise control function is not only convenient, but it can also save gas and prevent you from getting a speeding ticket, which can cost you points and increased insurance costs. Most cars will automatically maintain their cruise control speed even when going uphill, which is great because you may not have to keep close tabs on pushing the accelerator down further and watching the speedometer at the same time.

Use your cruise control to set the base speed and then accelerate manually if you need to pass knowing that when you let off the gas the car will go back to the preset speed. Priceless convenience, which also helps with safety. Just make sure to use cruise control when there isn't much traffic. If you find you are getting too close to a car in front or encounter traffic, either change lanes or simply click on the crusie control stalk or tap on the brakes to disengage it. The key to saving gas is to drive at a consistent speed.

Use less air conditioning
Your car eats a huge amount of horsepower whenever the air conditioning is turned on so roll down the windows in city driving and keep the vents open to circulate air in the cabin. Driving at highway speeds with the windows or sunroof open ruins the aerodynamic effectiveness of your car so it is usually best to keep your AC on low with the windows rolled up.

Stay at or below 55 MPH
Yes, you can save gas by not driving over the speed of 55. With some states allowing legal speeds of up to 75 M.P.H. this can be a toughy, but going above 55-60 MPG reduces fuel efficiency significantly mainly because of increased wind resistance. Use this with the above cruise control tips. In addition your chances of getting into an accident may increase at higher speeds so cruise at 55-60 and reap the rewards. If traffic is going at a faster rate then it is best to keep up with the flow of traffic.

Use high gear
If your car has the option then use overdrive or high gear when cruising on the highway, which consumes less gas and results in a quieter engine because it is revving less. On some cars you can disengage/engage overdrive mode by pressing a small button below the locking switch on the gear lever. Most newer cars now have the transmission default to overdrive. If you disengage it you will see a little amber light in your dash to let you know although you'll clearly hear the engine revving and see the tachometer creeping into the high range.

Also, a neat little trick to force your car to up-shift earlier is to let off the gas a little after initial acceleration.

Continue to Part Three of Tips to Save Gas

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Disclaimer

Please understand that not every person with low vision is able to drive. This is a very serious matter that needs to be discussed with those close to you and your low vision doctor. Not only must you have vision good enough for doctors to correct, but you must also be willing to accept the challenge and go through what can be a long and arduous process that can last a year or more. This site is NOT a medical or an authoritative driving site nor affiliated with any and information contained in it does not override professional advice. Every person has different needs and capabilities so use this site merely as a stepping stone and discuss everything with your doctor, DMV official, auto mechanic... first! See the many topics below and feel free to add your driving comments and share your experience. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this site please pass it on to them.