How to Save Gas Money

With the price of fuel increasing at break neck speeds many of us are wondering how we can conserve, pay less and get the most for our money. Although we can't control the price of oil per barrel, we can control a few habits...

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• car
• gas
• good habits

1. Roll Up the Windows! When the windows are down it allows air into the car creating resistance against the wind which decreases gas mileage as the car has to work harder to accelerate. Use the outside air vent to bring in fresh air as much as possible since running the air conditioner lowers gas mileage as well.
2. Watch Your Speed! Driving at a sustained, even speed on the highway helps use less fuel. On long stretches of road use Cruise Control! Also, keep in mind that any speed over 60 will drop your gas mileage significantly. If you have a car with overdrive, use it. Overdrive causes your engine to work less using less gas.
3. Keep your tank full! Gas vaporizes and needs heat and air to do so. As your tank gets empty there is more space for it to vaporize into. Fill your tank in the morning for the same reason. Cooler temperatures will keep the gas from vaporizing as much. Don't fill your tank when a gas delivery is being made. The delivery stirs up the debris on the bottom of the underground tanks and can mix into your tank. Try to fill up on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Dealers often raise their prices for the week-end or holidays as more people are driving and the demand is greater.
4. Brake Slowly! Try to learn to brake slowly by letting your foot off of the gas and decreasing speed gradually before braking.
5. Practice Safe Driving! Aggressive driving like weaving in and out of traffic and fast acceleration and braking is not only a hazard but can lower your gas mileage as much as one third.
6. Keep Your Car in "Tip Top" Shape! Regular maintenance keeps the engine running efficiently. Keep your filters clean, your tires properly inflated, and change your oil regularly using the proper oil grade for your car.
7. Clean Out the Car! Excess weight leads to loss of gas mileage. Don't use the trunk as a storage locker. Keep it cleaned out and you will save on gas.
8. Plan Trips! By planning and combining trips for errands, shopping, etc. you can save not only in gas but in time and wear and tear on your car.
9. Carpool or take public transportation!
10. Choose a New Car Wisely! That red sports car may turn your head but what will it offer you in terms of gas mileage? The love affair may be short lived if you are paying through the nose to keep it going. Research cars and gas mileage before making a new commitment and you will have a great life together.
11. Happy Motoring!