How to save on gas in my daily commute to work?

Question

I can get to work from my home in two ways -

Shortest Distance (entirely local roads)- 26 miles with less probability of a traffic jam, but with more traffic lights, stop signs etc. My car gets 27-28 mpg between fillups with this route.

or

Longer Distance - 43 miles - (38 interstate miles + 5 miles on local roads) - with slightly higher probability of traffic jams. My car gets 32-33 mpg between fillups with this route if there are no significant Stop and Go traffic.

The time for the commute is almost the same either option, which is about an hour or so.

So which is the more economical option?

Thanks for all answers.

Answer 1

Cars get better mileage in highway driving than in stop and go driving. Add in the cost of extra brake, tire wear, and clutch wear from all the stopping and starting, and you'll see the long way is the more cost effective way.

Answer 2

also try leaving a little sooner  when traffic is somewhat lower.  I found by leaving a hour earlier if there was a traffic problem I still got to work on time   no traffic troubles  I would stop in at a mom  n pop  dinner close to work, eat some breakfast an coffee  be relaxed when i get to the office.  also by doing this i save gas because i never had to rush to work thus using more gas

Answer 3

It sounds like the first route is better because even though you get better gas milage the second way, it uses about a gallon and a third of gas for each direction, whereas the first way you're using just under a gallon of gas going to and from work.

Answer 4

There is one small way that I save - every little bit helps. I signed up for free daily cell phone alerts from www.TxtVox.com that sends local gas prices to my phone. I just go to the cheapest place in my area.

Hope this helps!