7 gas-saving tips for consumers on a budget
Remember when reports started pouring in of consumers paying over $100 to fill up their gas tanks? Well, those days are about to return as gas prices top $4 a gallon for this summer. Don’t expect prices to drop any time soon, which means consumers will have to find other ways to save gas. Read on for seven tips on how to save fuel.
1. New cars. If you’re shopping for a new car, your gas savings will come from choosing the right model. It is not necessary to choose a limited range electric vehicle or a more expensive hybrid model. Some models, like the Mazda Mazda6 and Nissan Altima, deliver 38 mpg highway or at least 10 mpg better than your current ride.
2. Cheap gasoline. You can find the cheapest gas in your area by using a service like GasBuddy.com. Gas Buddy will point you to the stations with the lowest prices, saving you up to 10 cents or more per gallon. Be aware of what you are putting in your tank as well. Unless necessary, forego the more expensive premium gasoline and choose the more affordable regular unleaded gasoline instead.
3. Keep up your speed. Higher speeds can result in lower gas mileage. For optimum fuel efficiency while on the highway, you should use cruise control and set your speed to the speed limit. However, if that limit is above 65, your fuel economy will likely start to drop.
4. Keep it light. If you use the trunk or rear storage area to carry more than the essentials, that added weight will affect your fuel economy. Also keep in mind that when your vehicle is full, your gas mileage numbers will be below the published figures.
5. Tire inflation. Yes, flat tires can be a drag on fuel economy. And dangerous too. Expect to lose two to three percent of your fuel efficiency if your tires have up to 10 psi in normal amounts. However, do not fill your tires to the levels posted on the sidewalls. Instead, use the numbers on the inside of the driver’s door or in the glove box for the correct fill levels.
6. Take it easy. A lead foot and hard braking will negatively affect your fuel economy. Simply release the pedals by slowing down braking and accelerating intelligently. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll also reduce wear and tear on your engine, brake system, and other key components like the transmission.
7. Keep it repaired. If your car isn’t getting serviced on schedule, you may be using more fuel than expected. Perform tune-ups, change the oil, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for other maintenance tasks. A well-tuned car runs optimally and will save you fuel.
fuel economy
How much fuel can you save using each tip offered? Maybe up to a third, especially if you use cruise control on the open road. Visit FuelEconomy.gov for additional tips and a breakdown of percentages saved for each method used.
