Remember when gas prices reached an all-time high last year? (How could you forget, right?) Thankfully American’s are no longer shelling out $4 a gallon, but even with lower prices fuel is a significant expense for most individuals. While it is a great idea to look for alternative ways to travel at least some of the time (walking, biking, public transport, etc.), the fact is that most of us rely on our cars.
After some research, we’ve come up with a list of ways to save money on gas. Here’s what we learned (content from “15 Ways to Save Money on Gas" by BankRate) and “How to Save Money on Gas—29 Tips” by Andre Gunther:
Engine Warm Up
1. Avoid prolonging your morning engine warm-up. Even on a very cold day 30-45 seconds is plenty of time.
2. Don't start and then stop your engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the same amount of gas as starting your engine.
3. Eliminate “race-track” starts. Once the light turns green accelerate slowly (keeping the pedal about ¼ of the way down). This allows for peak functioning of the carburetor.
Change How You Drive
4. Brake Sparsely. Cars consume the most when they accelerate—once the car is moving it doesn’t require much gasoline to keep moving (think: an object in motion tends to stay in motion). Keep an eye on the cars in front of the car in front of you so you can predict when a slow down is going to occur so you can ease off the gas (rather than breaking abruptly and then starting up again.) This can give you 10-20% better gas mileage. Also, take comfort in knowing that the car tailgating you is not just annoying—the driver is wasting gas because they are subject to your stops and accelerations.
5. Keep windows rolled up when traveling on the highway. Open windows cause air drag and can reduce your mileage by 10%.
6. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you want to accelerate do it before the hill, not on it.
7. Drive the speed limit. It is set for drivers’ safety but will also get you better gas efficiency. For example, driving at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared going 60-75 mph. (You’ll also avoid the panic and subsequent break slamming when you see a cop car out of the corner of your eye.)
8. Avoid rough roads—dirt and gravel consume an extra 30% on gas mileage.
9. Plan Ahead. Take alternate routes if the drive will be shorter, safer and straighter. Compare traveling distances, remembering that the shortest distance is always a straight line (so try to minimize curvy roads and sharp corners) I like using mapquest.com to find the shortest and fastest routes. Mapquest will even calculate how much gas your car will use on your chosen route, which is wonderful for calculating travel expenses.
10. Stoplights are usually timed to benefit the motorist. Travel steadily at the legal speed limit and you have a higher change of “green lighting” all the way.
11. Avoid reversing when possible to save gas.
12. Do not rest your left foot on the brake. The slightest pressure could cause a drag that will demand additional gas use—and wear out the brakes sooner.
Shopping for Gas
13. Buy gasoline during the coolest times of the day (like early morning or late evening). Cool temperatures cause gasoline to become dense, and gas pumps measure (and charge) by volume rather than fuel densities. Dense gas=more gas.
14. Don’t top off your gas tank. Too much gas will just slosh or seep out. If the fuel nozzle is automatic don’t fill past the first “click.”
15. Buy the lowest grade (octane) of gasoline that is appropriate for your car (check your owner’s manual for this information). As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping, the fuel is fine for your car. This can save you hundreds every year.
16. Pay cash at stations that charge extra for credit cards.
Maintenance
17. Keep your tires inflated properly. Not only is this much safer, but under inflated tires waste fuel and wear out the tire tread. Check your tires’ alignment and balance regularly.
18. Don’t forget to tune up! Get regular tune ups and follow up with your car’s routine maintenance (check owner’s manual for your car’s recommended maintenance intervals). A well maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less gas. Pay special attention to maintaining clean air filters, diminished air flow increases gas waste.
19. Lighten up! For every extra 250 pounds your engine supports, the car loses about 1 mile per gallon in fuel economy. Only carry items in your car that you really need. Hauling junk around just isn’t worth it.
20. Only use snow tires when you need them. Driving on deep tire tread burns a lot of fuel.
21. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated which can cause a lot of wind resistance. Use warm water to quickly get rid of the ice.
Happy Driving!
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