I am proud to say that this is the first guest post ever for this blog.  It is with great pleasure that I introduce Clair Schwan of Frugal Living Freedom.  He has kindly composed a four-part series on an important topic, saving money on your gasoline usage.  Check out his site, here is my review, Blog Review: Frugal Living Freedom.  If you want to view my automotive and fuel savings related posts, start with this post, Automotive Posts Revisited.  --DDFD

Here is what Clair has to say . . .

This is no time to relax.  The high price of fuel is not over by any means.  It's just taking a breather.  Sure, gas prices have dropped, but they'll go right back up again before you know it.  You need to be prepared.

Here is the first of a four-part series designed to give you solid ideas about how to get better fuel economy, no matter what kind of vehicle you choose to own and operate.  

Here are five easy to implement suggestions:

1. Stop unnecessary idling-- it gets you zero miles per gallon, and that's as low as you can get.  If you aren't moving forward with any regularity, then shut it off until you are.  Also, need I mention that an automobile isn't designed to be a parked portable heating and cooling unit?  If you're parked, then shut it off.
2. Explore alternate routes-- you may find one that is shorter or less congested.  Either way it could improve your miles per gallon.  Besides, what's wrong with a change of scenery anyway?
3. Idle through traffic jams-- avoid unnecessary accelerating and stopping.  Follow the lead of a commercial truck driver - they know how to avoid the life-size "slinky" on the highway that wastes fuel and puts unnecessary wear on the transmission and brakes.
4. Drive steady-- you'll get more miles per gallon and save wear and tear on your vehicle by reducing unnecessary accelerating and braking.
5. Coast when you can-- not always a possibility in heavy traffic areas, but something that we certainly can do more of.  Let momentum carry you when it can.  There is no sense hurrying up to come to a stop.

It's your fuel bill, so you need to know how to get the most transportation value per gallon.  Eliminating wasteful driving techniques is a good first step.  For more detail on any of these techniques, visit my site: http://www.frugal-living-freedom.com/save-gas.html

Look for Part II of this series coming soon . . .

--Clair Schwan