With retail gas prices increasing at an alarming rate plus today’s tough economy, saving money on gas just makes sense. The high cost of gasoline nowadays not only affects car owners; the higher cost of transportation actually affects almost every American consumer.
Tip 1: Keep Your Car Properly Maintained
Keeping your car properly maintained is a sure way to optimize its performance and save on gas. Studies show that a vehicle in good running condition runs more efficiently compared to a vehicle displaying extreme physical wear and tear.
You will not only save you gas money but you can also enjoy better mileage if you keep your car properly maintained. Changing spark plugs and tuning your engine burns gas more efficiently getting you more miles out of every gallon. Changing oil and keeping tires properly inflated reduce friction which can also rob gas mileage.
Tip 2: Drive Under the Speed Limit
Running at a good pace – a pace that is not too fast nor too slow, is another simple way to save money on gas. Driving under the speed limit will not only save you gas money; it’s also in accordance with your city or community’s ordinance.
You should also exercise proper acceleration in order to lessen the wear and tear on your vehicle. Saving gas money is pretty much about knowing how to drive responsibly.
Tip 3: Find Good Gas Prices
Finding good gas prices is an obvious way to save gas money. Believe it or not, there are numerous gas stations out there that sell gas at a much lower price compared to most gas retailers.
In addition, technology can also help you in searching for lower gas prices. Smart phone users can download and take advantage of the Gas Buddy application. Basically, Gas Buddy lists the cheapest gas prices within a certain radius. You can also get gas at a discount with gasoline rewards credit cards.
Tip 4: Park in the Shade
Parking in the shade is another genuine way to save gas money. Gas evaporates right out of your car’s tank and putting your car idle for hours under the sun just makes the process of evaporation move faster. Parking in the shade also keeps your vehicle cool — thus, you won’t need to turn on air-conditioning, which again saves you gas money.
Tip 5: Use Your Car More Efficiently
Using your car more efficiently is another simple way to save money on gas prices. You can use your car more efficiently by combining trips and running multiple errands all in one driving. A great way of combining trips is by designating a particular day in the week as car driving routine day.
For instance, you can designate Friday as errand day and run all errands such as grocery shopping, paying utility bills, banking etc. Of course planning your trip to avoid backtracking also helps. Or eliminate some altogether through online banking and bill paying.