How to Stretch a Tank of Gas
As high as the gas prices are, it is getting difficult for a lot of people to drive their cars, even to go back and forth to work. Depending on your car, a tank of gas may not last long and it can take a big chunk out of your paycheck to fill it up again. Here are some simple tips on how to make the most out of every tank of gas.
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Instructions
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Keep up with maintenance. One of the most important ways to help conserve the gasoline you put in your car is to make sure you keep up with the service and maintenance. Follow a schedule and the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes and tune-ups. If you know how to change your own oil and have a safe place to dump the old oil, this you can save time and money. Buying oil and filters is generally cheaper than going to a service station. It doesn’t take much more than a wrench and an oil pan, and can be done fairly quickly and easily.
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Change the air filter. Regularly changing your car’s air filter can also make a big difference in gas conservation. A dirty, clogged filter puts more pressure on the car’s engine because it is getting less air, and in turn, uses more gasoline. Changing the air filter can also easily be done on your own without going to a service station.
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Adjust the fan belt. A fan belt that is too tight can also affect the gas your car uses because it makes the engine work harder. You can adjust the tension with a wrench and when the engine isn’t running, it should give a little slack when pressure is applied.
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Check the spark plugs. Old spark plugs can also make a difference in the amount of gas your car uses if they aren’t changed regularly. Be aware, though, that unless you know how to change spark plugs, this job should be left to a professional.
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Turn off the AC. Cranking up the air conditioning can also use a lot of gas. On those hot summer days, rather than blasting it on full power, try rolling down the windows.
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Consider a smaller car. Large, heavy trucks and SUV’s use quite a bit more gas than a small car. If it is an option for you, consider buying a smaller, more economical car, especially if you have to do a lot of driving. A smaller car has a smaller tank and doesn’t cost as much to fill up, but it can also get much better gas mileage than a big vehicle.
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Plan your road trips ahead of time. If you are planning to go on vacation and you are driving, try to leave early in the day when traffic isn’t heavy. Plan your stops around peak, rush hour times by stopping for a break or a meal. If you have to frequently stop and go in traffic and in town, you can expect your gas needle to go down much faster. Also, try to avoid braking any time it’s possible, and when stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, take off and accelerate slowly. Hitting the gas and taking off from a stop quickly uses more gas than almost anything else.
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Don't let your car idle. During the winter, it is difficult to avoid going out and warming up the car, but a car that idles for more than a minute starts using up gas rather quickly. If you have to warm up your car before driving it, try not to let it idle for more than a few minutes. Also, if you give someone a ride and have to wait for them to run an errand, turn your car off and don’t let it stand idle. Turning it off and restarting it later uses less gas than letting it remain idle.
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Check your tires. Last but not least, don’t forget to check your tires. When the tire pressure is lower than it should be, it can use up more gasoline and create hazards for you. It is never safe to drive with tires that aren’t at the proper inflation, so check them frequently to make sure they have the right amount of pressure. The owner’s manual or a technician can give you information on how much pressure your tires need.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow these tips and you will most likely see a change in how often you have to fill up your gas tank.
Let a professional change your spark plugs for you and don't try to do it yourself if you don't have the knowledge and experience.
