Earlier this month, I shared a post highlighting some tips from Shell on how to make life easier on the road. Take a good look at the picture shared in the post because that – my friends – is the last photo taken of my mommy van. You see, three days after I published that post, our family was in a car accident and the van was a total write-off as a result. The important thing is that everyone was (mostly) alright. The kids were all more scared than hurt and it turns out that the older you are, the more an accident can hurt you (oy vey!) so I’ve been a little sore and bruised these past few weeks but I’m really fine (remember when I said I needed September to just be over? Uh huh, so happy that it is!)
Now with a new vehicle payment, it’s all the more important to find ways to be an efficient driver, so I’ll be referring to those tips! Planning and combining trips certainly makes sense (like stopping at the nearby mall after dropping my son off at football last night rather than doing that another day, yay me, it counts!) as does ensuring that I get rewards for my purchases. We’ve switched to Shell Gasoline exclusively now because not only is it a good quality gasoline (tip #5) but because I also get AIR MILES reward miles on my gasoline purchases and Shell Java Coffee pick-ups!
Actually, right now through to November 9, you can earn five bonus AIR MILES reward miles with every Shell Java Café purchase. Even better!
The great thing about stopping for a quick fuel up at Shell is that the coffee fuel up takes seconds as well. No drive-thru line-ups, and you get friendly face-to-face service when you run inside. And the coffee? It’s my pick-me-up in the mornings when I swing by a Shell Station, nice and hot, and something about bonus AIR MILES makes it taste even better. 😉
Have you tried Shell Java Cafe yet? If not (or if you’re already a Java Cafe fan) here’s your chance! One of our readers is going to win a $150 Shell Gift Card AND 24 Java Cafe free-product coupons!
You host the best contests Feisty Frugal and Fabulous!
Who wouldn’t love to win $150 in a Shell gift card.
I try to use cruise control for long distance drives/road trips and check my tire pressure regularly.
Pay attention to others around me just in case and I use my cruise all the time to make sure I have a constant speed.
Great to win.
It is, but in order to be entered please follow the guidelines in the entry form, thanks!
I don’t floor it at lights.
We live in the country so every trip counts. We don’t make quick trips to the store…we plan our trips, so it’s a do everything on one trip so we don’t waste gas.
I try to check my mirrors every couple of minutes and if I have the radio on in the car I have it set at a level where I can still hear what is going on around me on the road.
We always plan our trips in advance to figure out the route so we are not wasting time/gas and we always use cruise when we are out on the highways.
Easy, I don’t drive lol. Well my husband and I only have one car as I am a stay at home mom so he has the car. We moved closer to his work so he travels less therefore less gas 🙂
Not being in so much of a hurry all the time, and more coffee stops 🙂
I personally stay off the road! I don’t have a license but my DH drives. Maintaining the vehicle is no#1 on the list.
I dont drive, BUT im learning, and what ive learned is to take it easy and have patience.
I try to get all my errands done in one trip rather than leaving the house for one destination at a time.
I always drive the speed limit as well as make sure my tires are properly filled. Thank you for this opportunity!
Always be conscientious of the cars around you, know where you stand, try to plan what others are planning to do – think quick!
no jack rabbit starts or heavy braking
we plan our outings so we aren;t making as many wasteful trips
I try to run all my errands in one trip. program each stop into my GPS so there is no excess driving and just do each stop along the line.
I plan my trips , try to drive as smoothly as possible, and use cruise control.
I avoid all distractions and focus on the road. I try to plan my errands around my children’s activities so there is no excess driving around.
I drive the speed limit or lower and try to get several errands done with each trip.
Always keep your eyes on the road.
Don’t go incredibly fast
Wove to have this! Thanks!!
Sorry! I try and drive the speed limit to save on fuel costs!
Pumpkin Spice Latte (or anything really) delicious!
I plan my trips and use my car ony when I really need to, otherwise we walk.
really – leave your phone alone when driving
I’ve recently learned how to check the tire pressure so I know we are doing well that way!
I always check my tire pressure & don’t haul around heavy things
I mapped out my destination ahead of time.
I plan my trips out so I am not backtracking when running errands
I drive smoothly and try not to accelerate or brake hard.
I keep my tire pressure topped up!
Stop every few hours to walk around and stretch your legs
I choose high quality gasoline (only Shell V-Power will do!) and I try not to speed.
Don’t be a distracted driver. When you’re driving that should be the only thing you’re doing. Not texting. Not on the phone. Not settling arguments of the kids int he back. Just driving.
I do not answer the phone, even the hands free one. I like to stay focused. I do not play my music very loud if not at all. I always make sure my mirrors are adjusted before I leave as well.
Less frequent trips into town. We live a half hour away from town so we try to only go in once a week to stock up on what we need :).
Very nice ride! I have the same one in white!! I am a stay at home mom, so I don’t really drive far, I try to walk as much as I can, and I save lots of gas that way!
I could Choose a high-quality gasoline.
I try to keep my stats and stops smooth and slow….seems to better my gas mileage.
I always use cruise control when on the highway therefore not wasting fuel. It also helps avoid speeding tickets as I do have a heavy foot.
I regularly check the tire pressure in all four tires.
I combine my shopping trips into one and make sure I don’t have to double back at all. I get all of them done in one trip.
I try to be courteous to other people by using my blinker and letting people out of parking lots ahead of me. I try not to go out if I can avoid it.
Avoid speeding, and being heavy on the gas
I try to drive as smoothly as I can, avoiding suddenly speeding up or slowing down.
I use cruise control as often as possible
Our family tries to plan out the day as well as carpool for any actives and plan the stops at malls,stores & etc.
I always drive the speed limit and pay attention to the road
Program the GPS before we leave the house and always start with a full tank of gas.
I use cruise control on long trips
Check my blindsides
Check my tires once a month
I will keep my tires properly inflated!
I don’t speed up then brake . Keep an even speed and with the flow of traffic.
I do all my errands together to save time and gas and I make sure my tires are always properly inflated
tires are always properly inflated & know where your going – plan ahead!
Make sure your tires have enough air in them, it improves your fuel mileage.
We ensure that each vehicle has the proper tire pressure.
Pay attention to the road.
I try to combine my trips into town with other errands
we stop the day before a long trip to fill up on gas that way we just have to grab coffee and we can be on the road.
routine checks
I use cruise control on road trips.
Not text and drive!
I try to cruise control as much as possible on road trips, keep on eye on my tire pressures and avoid idling as much as possible.
I use cruise control everytime I am on a highway, even for short trips.
i make sure my tire pressures are correct.
I liked your point on checking the air pressure in your tires every month. Life gets so busy I forgot about that 🙂
check air in tires, dont constantly use my brakes. use cruise control. find the cheapest gas station
I check the air in my tires (or rather my husband does) more than once a month.
I organize my route to encompass all my errands, and use my gps for the shortest route. My car is always up to date on maintenance, a well maintained car saves you time and money!
i plan my route in advance – make my stops in a manner such that I have less driving in between
I make sure that there is enough air/the right amount of air in my tires frequently.
I drive the speed limit and ensure my tires are filled correctly
I car pool when I can
I never check my phone, even if I hear it go off at a red light, always using my blinkers and checking blind spots as well for watching out for other drivers (cant trust some around here)
I always keep gas in the tank.
I check/put air in my tires and fill up the tank.
I dont text while driving
I make sure the tires are properly inflated.
I try to drive at a constant speed.
I use cruise control on the highway and if its a long trip I stop for coffee to take a break.
I check the tires, oil, etc. all the time, do all my errands at once using the shortest possible route, and am one of those very rare drivers in Calgary who use my blinkers too!! Thanks for the awesome contest 🙂
i like to stop for stretch breaks
I just go to one place and get everything done, so I save mileage and gas , and time too!
I plan my route, have my favourite CD ready in the car, and have a tank full of gas.
Cheers.
I keep my highway speed at the speed limit with cruise control, no jack-rabbit starts at traffic lights, turn off engine when I am waiting for someone, and I keep my truck in the garage, so I don’t have to ‘warm’ it up!
I plan my route ahead of time and check my gas and tire pressure
I pay attention to my surroundings, make sure my car is updated on all maintenance and eliminate as many distractions as I can 🙂
I carpool frequently.
Use a GPS and no cell phone EVER! 🙂
I leave early and take my time. Driving the speed limit without cruising in the fast lane has saved me big $ in gas costs.
keep tires inflated properly
I always keep my phone away from reach ..
no cell phone or texting and I try to carpool often
check tire pressure & keep within speed limits
Ultimately drive with the city limits – become a more patient driver and heed the speed limits. Secondly, if I can walk/bike use that method instead of constantly consuming gas and become soooo dependent on my vehicle.
Eva Mitton-Urban
Plan out your trips so you do things on the way without backtracking and back and forth, so no unnecessary driving and wasting gas.
I pay very close attention to the road and to other drivers as well.Thanks for this chance to win!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
GPS
We always make sure we have the right tires on for the season we are driving in. We always check the oil and tire pressure.
I switched from an SUV to a Civic!
I follow the speed limit and pay attention to warning lights.
I drive at nap time so my kids are tired and ready to sleep.
I try to stay within the speed limit.
I plan my trips in advance, doing as much as possible in one trip as opposed to multiple trips.
coasting downhill or when ineed to slow down.
I make sure I get my oil changed when needed.
Always plan my trips to reduce fuel and emissions
I plan my trips to the stores that are near each other so I don’t end up driving all over town for groceries.
We try to stay in the speed limit
Well I don’t drive, but I would think to be a courteous driver. Don’t drive to close, follow the speed limit, stay off your cell phone, and pay attention to what you are doing and the vehicles around you.
I enjoy listening to audio books while I travel. .. don’t feel like I am wasting time
I make sure to maintain my vehicle and tire pressure. Put all gadgets (phone) in my purse.
I maintain my vehicle and drive the speed limit
I regularly check the tire pressure on my car
Try to minimize trips, and if possible, avoid rush hour!
I plan my time in the car so I don’t do too much running around. I drive the speed limit, use my turn signals and watch out for the other guy!
I always try to drive smoothly and to avoid hitting the brake too frequently
I drive the speed limits.
Plan trips out efficiently so you minimize the amount of gas you must expend for the trip.
I drive the speed limit and coast when I can. Gas isn’t cheap, why waste it?
I drive within the speed limit and plan my routes
To be a more efficient driver, I always leave my phone down, keep the radio at a reasonable level, and stick to the speed limit.
I try to be a more efficient driver by planning my route when running errands
I don’t talk or text and try to keep the kids busy so i am not overly distracted.
I try to plan my trips so I’m not running out every day or multiple times per day.
I plan my route in advance and also use the gps nav system, and I try to maintain a steady speed without a lot of acceleration or quick starts/stops.
Every few years I review the notes I took during the Defensive Driving Course I did as a teenager. The ideas in there are timeless and worth remembering.
I like your idea of planning and combining your trip.
I plan ahead,check weather conditions,and drive carefully.
Plan my trip and check tires and lights that they’re working.
drive the speed limit
Measure my tire pressure once a month
I usually slow down and coast to the next set of lights if I see that it is a red light, to avoid coming to a stop at the lights. I use fuel treatment & fuel injector cleaners to get the most use of my fuel.
PLan your errands ahead of time, so you can do each errand with the least amount of distance travelled.
I plan my runs ahead of time, and I also try to obey the speed limit.
Quit looking at my phone while driving
follow the speed limit, do all you errands at once my biggest pet peeve is people who idle their vehicles for long periods of time ( I mean like an hr argggg) – not necessary and just pollutes
I plan accordingly so that I get everything done in one trip (i.e run errands while my son is at an event) to save on gas.
Obey all the rules of the road.
Try to obey the rules of the road 🙂
We carpool when we can and try to limit distractions from the car.
I plan and combine my trips.
As a trucker I understand the forces of Speed on Tire wear and Fuel economy. I try to pace myself at doing between 90 and 100 on the highway as for every 10km over the speedlimit puts excess wear and tear on tires and fuel economy.
I like to carpool with friends and neighbours. And also, making sure that my gas tank is not low
I try to avoid driving at peak times such as rush hour
I dont drive at peak times, unless I really have to
I dont carry excess crap in my trunk!
I try to drive more slowly in the rain and have more time to brake.
Try not to drive in the city
When I’m approaching a red light, I coast up to it rather than using the gas pedal and then braking. Saves a bit of gas.
I keep my car maintenence up to par, drive the speed limit, and do not use my devices when driving, so my attention is solely on the road. I am a great defensive driver, I have avoided many accidents thanks to being so alert to what’s going on around me.
don’t carry unnecessary items in the car, and drive on highways whenever possible
I drive within the speed limit and avoid hard brakes
I drive smoothly.
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win a $150 Shell Gift Card AND 24 Java Cafe free-product coupons.
In response to your question of What do you do to be a more efficient driver on the road?
I drive within the speed limit and do not use my devices when driving, so my attention is solely on the road.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I always try to combine trips.
easy drive mellow, keep the rpm’s low
I keep my full attention on the road no mobile devices for distraction.
I accelerate slow and brake ahead of time
I try to do all my errands in a day
I try to make right turns most of the time! I follow speed limit and check tire pressure
I follow the posted speed limit.
I do the speed limit, and am careful in playground and school zones. I follow the rules around school buses. I don’t have my cell phone in arms reach while driving, my purse goes in the back seat.
I drive the speed limit and try not to drive at peak times
I’m a smooth driver which makes for a more comfortable ride and saves gas.
Drive the speed limit and keep my tires filled
I combine trips so I don’t have to run out many times a day. I also make sure my car is properly maintained.
When going on a road trip, we program the GPS the night before with all our stops so we don’t have to worry on the day of travel!
I always try to avoid rush hour traffic so that I am not sitting at stop lights spending extra money on gas.
don’t be braking and accelerating at full speeds over and over … a steady foot goes a long way!
Follow the speed limit.
I keep to close to the speed limit and use cruise control. Makes a huge difference.
I combine my trips so I don’t have to go multiple times in a week
Clean out the car so you aren’t paying for gas to haul junk around.
We like to “take it easy” and not speed or drive recklessly!
keep to the speed limit .. don’t accelerate when the light turns yellow
I combine my trips .
I clean my stuff out of my car regularly so I’m not hauling around excess weight
I drive the speed limit
I keep my speed constant which saves gas.
Try to do more of my shopping at one-stop places when possible…
I always plan out my trips and try to combine stops. I have a toddler who does not like to go in and out of the car, so good planning is absolutely essential for me!! It’s great that it also helps me save time and money spent on gas.
Use cruise control & keep to the speed limit.
I don’t speed, tailgate, or excessive break and go.
Less pedal to the metal. Every pedal pump = more fuel
Turn off the air-conditioner and open the window instead to save gas
Plan your route ahead before you go out, so you save time and gas
While waiting for a train to go thru, turn off you car first don’t keep your car running while you stop the car
Maintain a steady spend and avoid high speed driving
Service your vehicle regularly, like air-filter and oil change, let your car run more smooth.
I try to run my errands all in the same day
I recently learned how to use cruise control lol and it’s awesome. I use that when it’s a longer drive to help save and stay within speed limit.
Also, I take my mom to her appointments twice a week so we save on parking. While she’s at her doctor appointments, I just go to a local library or mall and do any school work or errands I have to save money on gas as well!
No jack rabbit starts – easy acceleration away from stop signs and red lights. Plan your route so you’re not backtracking.
I avoid rush hour as much as possible
I try not to accelerate too fast. I have a heavy right foot that I need to control.
I try to avoid constantly accelerating and braking – it makes for a smoother ride.
We try not to drive places we could walk. When I pull into a parking lot I park close to the road instead of driving further into the parking lot. I combine trips and plan a route that doesn’t make me back track.
I always pace my driving to avoid starts and stops. I like to keep an eye out ahead of me and to anticipate the changing of lights. There are so many people who fly past me exceeding the speed limit only to have to stop and wait at the next light. I keep pace and avoid stops and starts and still get there in a similar amount of time.
Drive only when necessary … Biking works wonderfully much of the time in Vancouver
To be a safe driver, I think you have to give yourself reaction time for yourself and those around you driving – that is why I drive the speed limit. Some in my family would say I drive too slow, but I’m actually just trying to drive safely.
Do not have road rage and be alert at all times
well not driving too fast is a good way to save on gas i think
I have a hands free i utilize in the car and pay attention to the road at all times!
Make sure I clean off car in winter.
plan your trips!
By driving smoothly!
we check the tire pressure every 2 weeks and plan our trips so we don’t waste gas going back and forth
I sty not to accelerate or slow down really fast . I try to plan my route with minimal starts and stops.
I combine my trips
i never talk on the phone while i am driving
Plan your trips, no random car rides, not with the current gas prices at least 😉
I drive on logging roads to get to my work sites, and I try to keep a slower, consistent speed to help reduce gas use! Would definitely appreciate some free gas! Thanks for the chance to win!
Let people in who are merging!!
I try to consolidate all my errands in one day and plan the route so I don’t have to backtrack.
To be a more efficient drive on the road I would try and play my trips before hand, and also make sure my oil is up to date and the tire pressures are good.
I generally plan out my routes and trips and try to keep it as short as possible because I have a long commute daily!
We manage to use just the one car most days and get my husband to work, the kids to school and daycare and myself to work in one carefully planned efficient trip. It’s only occasionally when the kids after school schedule doesn’t work out that we have to take the second vehicle.
Using my block heater in the winter time and turning off the vehicle when not needed. I also slow down earlier coming to lights so that I am not stopped idling for too long.
I should probably check my tire pressure more often…
I do not have a lead foot, so I am happy in the right hand lane. I save fuel.
no texting
I make sure I get my oil changed when needed.
I use my cruise control to make sure I stay at a constant speed.
I check the tire pressure regularly
The Triple Es prety much sum it up:
1. Drive a fuel effecient vehicle.
Don’t choose a car for the dumb reason that it fuels your over inflated ego.
(And while you’re at it, take care not to drive on either overinflated or underinflated TIRES either
2. Drive it “efficiently” ~ aka safetly, intelligently and thoughtfully.
Being a a safe, thoughtful driver means being a careful, courteous driver.
3. Maintain your vehicle
Take your care in for regular maintenance and tune-ups (it will safe you m oney all around in the long run.)
I also “trip combine” and try not to use the car wastefully. I walk, bicyle and use public transportation where and whenever I can (better for both me and the environment!) obviously this is not always practical ~ especially when you’re shopping/lugging stuff (and other passengers!) as well as certain weather and other conditions ~ but when you can. I also regularly PESTER local and federal representatives (and ALL elected officials are SUPPOSE to represent US!) to pass legislation that supports better public transportation and bicycle use (lanes, TRAILS, etc) Fuel Efficient cars/vehicles (and alternative/non-fossil-fuel energy sources.)
These tips not only save money, they help save lives (including and especially your own) and the environment too.
I try to make sure my vehicle is maintained properly (aka tell my husband to look after it!)
I like to use cruise control whenever possible. Keeping a constant speed is more efficient and saves gas!
Keeping the car tuned and oiled and not speeding.
I always stay alert and stay courteous to other drivers.
If im driving to a place I’m not familiar with I usually look up the adress before hand.
Know my directions before I leave. Keep the kids occupied so they are not distracting me
I drive the speed limit!
Slow down! Focus. And put your phone in the trunk. Turn off the hands free you will live without answering your phone for awhile!!
Keep my eyes on the road and dont touch my cell phone.
I plan my trips
Keep my truck well maintained and plan my errands/route carefully
drive the speed limit