I have four kids and a big dumb dog and my truck costs me a fortune in gas..

My tip:  I've heard that driving between 55 and 60 mph gives you the best gas mileage.  Driving over 65 lowers your gas mileage.  It's worth a try...  ;)

Hi Karen,  I can't believe the time of day you fill your tank will make any difference at all.  I use Microsoft Streets and Trips to enter in all the addresses of where I am going and then ask it to optimize the stops.  It will coordinate the trip with the best route.  It is only after I do this that I schedule the appointments.  Obvisously, I am not talking about 2 or three homes to see but rather 5 or more homes.  I hate the gas prices also and am so glad I sold my SUV!

Karen, I have heard and read many different tips.  One I have found that works is NOT to fill up your tank after the gas station has just gotten a delivery (this might be hard to found out) but I have noticed if I wait until early evening to get gas after a mid morning delivery, I seem to get more mileage.. or maybe this is just hopeful thinking.  This is just a suggestion.

You know, I find most of the driving occurs with people that are new to my market. I get around driving all over Tim-Buk-Tu by having them meet me at my office first. I pull out the maps and use a magic marker to highlight different areas that meet their needs.

I have a separate computer screen that attaches to my laptop so the clients can look at the listings. Since most agents in my market are using virtual tours it is easy to pop up a couple of listings in each neighborhood we have zeroed in on. Then I often send them out with the map to determine which neighborhoods look like ones they would like. We either meet up later that day or the next day to determine which houses we will see. This really cuts out a lot of driving and most clients appreciate the efficiency as they don't won't to waste time any more than I do.

Don't go out of the way to buy gas in the morning or evening because the storage tanks are all underground and maintain the same relative tempreture all day and night! Now I know I will get an argument from some people on AR because they want to believe that that is all you need to do. Yes, gasoline and other liquids do expand with heat but the minute amount will make less difference in your pocket than ANY OTHER thing you do, such as skip a trip to Mikey D's a month. For those who might want to take me to task, look up the coeficient of expansion of gasoline and figure the difference in a 10 degree change and write back.

Keep the tires inflated to the high end, approx. 32 PSI, dump the for sale signs out of the trunk, and time the acceleration before you start up a hill. All of these are a much more proactive way to save fuel.

It cost me $79 to fill my SUV yesterday.  Ugh!  That was enough to make me slow down.  I really am trying to combine shopping trips so I don't drive unnecessarily.

OMG, I need to go to driving school...I plan my showing's from the map...shortest route possible.

I laugh at your $79...  My truck takes about $140 for a fill-up.  Of course, that is 35 gallons at $4 each.  I get about 16.5mpg on diesel.  I'm thinking of a motorcycle for previewing...

I have to tell you guy's something. As most of you know my dad is gravely ill...sorry I have to say this but I'm not doing well about this...

However, I have to share his wisdom with all of you. He told me that if you get gas after the delivery truck is there that when they fill the tank it stir's up the junk at the bottom of the tank. If you see the truck, don't get gas...the "crud" from the bottom get's stirred up and clogs your filters...This from my father...we rebuilt a car together when I was 14...long time ago...but it was so much fun...and I learned so much about cars...Heck, I changed the alternator in my car in college...with dad and grandpa watching...(yes and that was hysterical...) Great memories....

Better photos and sit down with clients and review homes together on the internet. Eliminate the homes that do not make sense to see....

Your Friend in Charlottesville Virginia!

Thank you for the wonderful responses!!! This has given me some ideas to work with aside from pulling a Rickshaw!!

Just curious but nobody out there has mentioned any of the fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius. A fellow agent that I know has one. I may give her a call and do a follow up blog.

~Karin

I have a Ford 500.  It gets around 30mpg highway and around 22mpg city.  I really like it; however, I would really like a car that got better in the city - That's where I do most of my driving...

I really like Robin's idea!  I think I'll start doing that...  Thanks for the tip!  :)