How To Save Money Behind The Wheel

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In today’s challenging economy, the old adage “A penny saved is a penny earned” carries significant weight for consumers and business owners alike.

One way to cut expenses, and “earn” instead of spending, is to adjust the way you drive, advises Victory State Bank.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving – such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking – wastes gas. And wasted gas translates into wasted dollars.

Sensible driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town, according to the government agency.

Additionally, sensible driving is safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers these tips for driving more efficiently:

Observe the Speed Limit

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.29 per gallon for gas.

Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle. Turning your engine on and off excessively, however, may increase starter wear.

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears

When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.65/gallon

About Victory State Bank:

VSB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSBN) is the one-bank holding company for Victory State Bank. As Staten Island, N.Y.’s only community-based commercial bank, Victory State Bank operates five full-service locations on the Island: The main office in the community of Great Kills, and branches in the communities of West Brighton, St. George, Dongan Hills and Rosebank. For additional information, Victory State Bank may be reached at 718-979-1100 or visited online http://www.victorystatebank.com .

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