The sticker shock of a $4 gas has been enough to make some drivers drastically change their habits.
Those who can't afford a more fuel-efficient vehicle must resort to other options to make their dollar stretch. Dan Pope, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, has some ideas.
One tip that shows up on a lot of lists is to avoid driving on hilly and mountainous terrain, but Duluth's topography makes that next to impossible. Pope suggests at least reducing pressure on the gas pedal for steep climbs.
"Basically, I simply try not to accelerate too rapidly," he said. "It's when you start getting into transience when combustion becomes inefficient -- when you press the gas pedal down too fast."
Another mistake people make is not planning ahead, Pope said. Instead of making one weekly stop at the grocery store, people strapped for time make frequent short trips.
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"I'm guilty of this," Pope said. "I start a home project and then drive to Menards 10 times."
Those 10 trips can waste a lot of gas, especially if a good portion of that time is spent waiting at stoplights. Which brings us to the last of Pope's troika of gas-saving tips: Reduce idling. Turn off your engine if you're going to be stopped for a minute or more, no matter if you're stuck behind a train or waiting for a friend to run into a store and grab something.
That also goes for leaving your car running in the winter to warm it up, Pope said. An engine block heater will save that fuel and reduce pollution.
