How to Save Money on Gas

Many Americans have been feeling a pinch at the pump recently as gas prices seem to move ever skyward. But don't fret–there are simple things you can change to save money while filling up, driving and traveling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Improve your driving. Stop-and-go starts, driving through high-traffic areas and speeding all reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. Driving at speeds higher than 55 mph will reduce your vehicle's efficiency. Also, if you know you have errands to run, plan the most efficient route. This will save you time as well. Additionally, reducing the time your vehicle idles will help preserve fuel.

2. Tune up your vehicle. Having properly inflated tires is important because it can help lessen tread wear and prevent a loss of fuel economy by up to 6 percent. In addition, replacing air and fuel filters regularly will keep your vehicle operating efficiently.

3. Keep your engine clean and friction-free. A synthetic motor oil and a fuel-injector cleaning can keep things running smoothly and will save you money on gas.

4. Remove extra weight. Take luggage, bike racks and other things you won't need out of your vehicle. Each 200 pounds of extra weight will reduce your gas mileage by one mile per gallon.

Resources

• The AAA offers Fuel Cost Calculator and Fuel Finder tools.
• Find information on fuel economy ratings, alternative fuels and more.

[ajsmail4u]

on 10/6/2008 I was able to save nearly $300 a MONTH with this information. I found these books just browsing for answers, and the simple steps and small driving habit changes can make the difference! Check them out!
https://paydotcom.com/r/59906/Ajsmail4u/20910551/

[AbbyNormal]

on 3/23/2008 Good article!

[faithbasedbiz]

on 3/17/2008 New Domain Name as of 3/16/08, more user friendly for ETHOS, saves money on gas and oil changes
--http://www.ForEarthOnline.com/onlinebizkj
(This is for 3/10 post)

[faithbasedbiz]

on 3/10/2008 Here's another way to reduce emissions in the air and save 7-19% at the pump- Go Green!
http://www.4planetearth.com/onlinebizkj

[nitordeus]

on 7/14/2007 these are some good tips! however, there's an error in step 5. you're right when you say when gas heats up, it expands. this also means that in colder temperatures, the gas in more dense. the more dense the gas, the more gas molecules there will be per volume, thus increasing the amount of gas you'd get in your tank. there's actually an problem in california where gas buyers are getting shortchanged up to $450 million a year due to the hot climate and expanding gas. hope this helped :T