Nicks Car Tips # Lucky 13 - The Sweet Spot

Here's a question I've been wanting to tackle for some time - What is the best speed to drive to save money? And I was inspired to share with you today because of a really great, detailed answer you can find at http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question477.htm, complete with math, formulas and all sorts of good stuff. But I'm going to give you the cut-to-the-chase today, and make it pretty simple.

If everything else is equal, the cost of gas, no stop lights, traffic, etc. then for most cars of all sizes, the best gas mileage and lowest cost to operate will be in the range of 40 to 60 miles per hour. Is there an exact speed for your car? Yes, but given real world conditions, does it really matter? Not really.

If you have a trip to make, and a choice of a freeway with no stops at more than 60 mph, or an expressway with timed lights at 45 mph, you'll probably save money by going on the expressway. But how many situations will you really have like that? Most of the time we're not on the freeway, there will be stop signs and lights. If you want to save money, generally, you'll do well to get on the freeway, and drive as close to 60 as possible. (If you're feeling unpopular driving below the limit, you can still take your discomfort to the bank.)

If you have a chance to drive without stop lights or with timed lights and a limited number of stops, drive in the 40 to 50 range, because for most vehicles, the miles per gallon will drop off as you approach 60. (The difference between 40 and 50 mph for most cars will be 1 or 2 miles per gallon. The drop going from 50 to 60 mph might be 2 to 7 mpg, depending on the size.)

What are you likely to do everyday? I'll bet that you'll get on the freeway and do something not too much more than the limit, and think in the back of your mind that you might safe money if you slowed down. You'd be right. And if you have a chance to drive in the sweet spot, and choose to, you'll probably find yourself getting better mileage than most of the other nice folk on the road.

There you have it. No complicated math, just the real world guidelines.

Best wishes for safe driving!