While at the gas pump this morning I just started to fill up my car like normal. I looked up at the glowing red sign only to see gas prices had jumped another 20 cents in the last day. This is incredibly frustrating; times are tough enough as it is. I would like to share some tips with you on how to save gas your money and help the environment in the process.
Use the web to find the lowest gas prices
There are a lot of great sites on the web that offer useful information, and gasbuddy.com is one of the best when gas prices start to soar. Simply go to the website and type in your zip code. The site will display all the gas stations in your area, and will list the current gas prices. You can also download the Gas Buddy app for your phone. It is available on iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone 7 for free. Trust me, this site and the app are invaluable.
Check you tires, Air Filter and Spark Plugs
I am sure you want to get as many miles per gallon as possible from that expensive gas. Doing simple checks on your vehicle could save you a lot of money. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressures. Experts at car and driver say that for every pound-per-inch under the manufacturer’s recommendation, those under inflated tires will cost you half a mile per gallon.
Check your air filter, spark plugs, and wires. If they need replacing spend the money to get new ones. If these easy to replace parts are not working correctly, you could lose up to 30 percent of your fuel economy. Changing these simple parts will save you a ton of gas.
Keep your foot off the gas
Speeding will cost you a lot of money in the long run when it comes to gas, not to mention a fine if you get caught. Keep to the posted speed limits at all times. When pulling away from the lights, do so slowly, racing your engine will increase fuel consumption dramatically. When driving around town you could increase your fuel economy by 33 percent by relaxing behind the wheel instead of trying to speed up and beat every yellow light.
Coasting is also another great way to save a lot of money. Get your vehicle up to the speed limit and then take your foot off of the gas, then coast down the road. All the time your foot is on the gas, extra fuel is being burnt. I know it is not always possible to do this, but when you can, you should. I was able to produce an extra ten miles per gallon by practicing this.
I know that being sensible sounds about as fun as doing your taxes, but it will really pay off to drive smart. Remember that Every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60, will cost you an extra 30 cents per gallon. Ouch!
Lose the junk in your trunk
All that junk rolling around back there is costing you money. Clean out your car and lose anything that is not necessary. Every hundred pounds of extra weight in your car will cut your fuel economy by up to 3 percent.
Save the air conditioner for when you really need it
All electrical components in your car will have an effect on the engine and how it performs, and the air conditioner can put a major strain on it. Turning off the air conditioning when you do not need it, can boost you fuel economy by five percent.
I really hope that we do not see gas prices reach new record highs this year, but if we do you can be prepared, and can save money, fuel, and the environment by using these easy tips.
Sources:
Car and Driver, Battle High Gas Prices , bySteve Siler and Colin Matthews
