How to Save Money On Gas and Tips to Improve Mileage for Your Car

Gas Pump Cash MoneyGas price is going up . . . again. One particular day you might have noticed gas price listed in a station is one price. The next day, the price listed on the same gas station is higher.

This summer we might see gas price go up from what is now to $4 or more depending on the area you live. One of the reasons for this increase is because gas prices often shoot up in the spring, as refineries make the switch to summer-blend gasoline, creating an interruption in supply of gas. The standoff with Iran also put pressure on the price as well.

To save money and prevent ourselves from paying a ridicules high price for gas we could change our driving habits to improve fuel economy. Combine several tips and perform routine maintenance to our car, we can save a lot of money.

Below are some ways you can save on gas and keep your wallet fat and your money fatter:

Use Your Car Only When Necessary
Take public transportation whenever possible. Make arrangement with your coworkers and carpool. You could also walk or bike to your destination. Why drive when you can walk to your local grocery store. Not only will you save gas by doing the above but you could also help the environment and reduce wear and tear on your car.

Use Only the Grade Level Gasoline Your Car Manufacture Recommends
Some people think using a higher octane gasoline will make their gas mileage better but that is not true. Check your car manual and use the grade of gasoline it recommends because your car is built to run on whatever grade of gasoline is recommended. Remember, the higher the gasoline octane, the higher your gas bill will be.

Is Premium Gas Worth Premium Price?


Get a Gas Credit Card
Some credit cards offer 2% to 5% savings when you use it to purchase gas. This saving could add up especially when you have a long commute. Some of the cards you might want to consider are Discover Open Road Card, Citi Dividend Platinum Select Car, and BP Visa Rewards Card From Chase.Move
Move closer to where you work. This way you could walk or ride your bike to work especially when the weather is nice. By doing this, not only will you save gas and mileage to your car but you also are keeping yourself fit and healthy.

Keep Your Car Light
Remove unnecessary item in your car, especially heavy items. If your car is lighter, it will require less gas to get to its destination.

Use Your Air Conditioning Only When Necessary
Gas is required for air conditioning. Having AC on can waste 15% of your gas. Roll down your window when the weather is nice and enjoy the breeze and open your vets to keep your car comfortable. You can also turn your AC on to cool your car and then switch to fan only. Doing so will not waste gas and fresh air in your car is healthier for you.

Park in the Shade
Liquids evaporate and gasoline is a liquid. Gasoline actually evaporates right out of your tank especially when you park in the sun. It helps when you park in the shade. Doing so also will help keep the inside of the car cooler and less AC will be needed when you get back in. If you do have to park in direct sunlight, then park so that the gas tank is facing away from the sun.

Remove Unneeded Racks
Racks on top of your car cause drag. The more drag, the more power your car needs to push forward or backward. When your bicycle or ski rack is not in use, remove it and you can reduce drag and save gas and mileage.

Take Off Slowly From a Full Stop
This is one of the easiest steps to do. Do not tear off fast by pressing your gas paddle very hard from a stop sign or a stoplight. Doing this will save you money at the gas pumps and also reduces wear and tear on your tire.

Try Not to Drive at High Speed
The faster you drive the more air resistance your car will face. This means your gas mileage will increase and more money out of your packet. You can improve your gas mileage by 15% by driving 55 mpg rather than 65 mph.

Combine Errands into One Trip
Plan and consolidate trips to destination that are close to one another. Once you arrive, park and walk to your destination. Always plan and do your errands for one afternoon so you do not need to retrace your route. Not will you save gas but also reduce wear and tear for your car. Besides, walking is a good form of exercise and by doing so you are keeping yourself healthy.

Park In the First Spot You Find
If you wonder all over the parking lot looking for a closer spot, you will burn more gas. Doing so will make your wallet very thin. Why not just park at the first spot you see and do not be afraid to do some walking. Remember, walking is good for your health.

Drive at a Consistent speed
Do not accelerate and hit your brake hard to slow down. Keep a safe distance and use cruise control when you can.

Watch the Financial Market
The price of unleaded gas is influence by oil price in the stock market because wholesale crude oil is traded as a commodity. The futures of the oil price per barrel of crude oil traded in New York Mercantile Exchange will forecast the price at the pump.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated and aligned
Under inflated tires increase fuel consumption by six percent. You can improve your gas mileage by periodic wheel alignments and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure.

Anticipate the Stop Signs and Lights
Get to know your routes and look ahead. Coasting to a stop instead of hitting your brakes seconds before a full stop will save a gasoline. It will also reduce wear and tear on your brake.

Avoid idling
Idling your car to warm up requires extra fuel for your engine to warm up. After starting your car, let your car idle for about 30 seconds and drive conservatively until it reaches normal operating temperature. Idling with the air condition on also requires extra fuel. Do not let your car idle while you are at a drive through. Instead park your car and go inside the restaurant or bank.

Use Overdrive
If your car is equip with an overdrive gearing, be sure to use it. Using it when your car has reached a high speed will increase your gas mileage.

Get Low Resistance Tire
If you are in the market for new tires then get some tires that are suppose to increase gas mileage. As your mechanic or do some research online on these type of tires.

Maintain Your Car

Buy a Fuel Efficient Car
A fuel efficient vehicle can squeeze the most mileage out of your money. A car that gets 30 MPG can save you over $1500 over 5 years compare to a car that gets 20 MPG.

If you have any other suggestions on how to save gas money then please do leave a comment and share it with us.

March 28, 2008 | Filed Under Money Saving Ideas 

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Comments

One Response to “How to Save Money On Gas and Tips to Improve Mileage for Your Car”

  1. Steve on March 22nd, 2008 12:21 am

    Excellent list!!! Many ideas and some can actually be beneficial to the environment.

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