Ten tips to save gas
Here are 10 tips to help you save money on gas and improve your car’s mileage (and for those who must use a car but are still interested in going green, this will help you use LESS of our precious fossil fuels) ).
10. Don’t drive so much
This one is simple…just don’t drive as much and you’ll use less gas, so you won’t have to spend as much. Sometimes we all have to drive, but if you can combine your errands into one trip or find alternate modes of transportation (bike, bus, carpool), you can save money on gas. Always ask yourself, “Is this trip really necessary?”
9. Do not accelerate quickly
Although it’s hard for some (it’s definitely hard for me), but to really start seeing less gas usage while driving, you need to accelerate more slowly from stop signs and traffic lights. If you drive an automatic, you don’t want to accelerate too slowly, but accelerate at a moderate pace and you’ll be saving gas. For those who drive a manual transmission, be sure to shift early to keep your revs lower, but make sure you don’t overload your engine. Also pay attention to road conditions, so you don’t speed up only to have to brake soon because traffic stops, that’s just wasting fuel.
8. Check your air filter
Simple maintenance like changing your air filter can improve your MPG. If an air filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow to the engine, which will affect fuel economy while also affecting your car’s performance. An easy way to check is to simply remove the air filter and then hold it up to a light source (sun works fine) and if you can’t see any light then you need a new oil filter. There are permanent filters that can simply be cleaned instead of being changed. Much better for the environment and helps save money and gas!
7. Check your tire pressure
Under-inflated tires are one of the most common, but most ignore the reasons for lower gas mileage. Tires lose air over time and also with temperature. Because flat tires create more drag, you have to use more gas to keep your car going. I recommend that you check your tires at least once a month with a working tire gauge. Be sure to check when the tires are cold, as driving causes the air to expand and make it seem like there is more pressure than there really is.
6. Keep your Windows up
When you’re traveling down the highway or highway, don’t drive with your windows down… roll them up! When driving with the windows down, there is 10% more air resistance, which means you have to spend more gas.
5. Clean your car
Get rid of any extra weight you may have in your car that you don’t need. Any back seats you don’t use, any heavy items that are in your car. Any kind of extra weight, especially driving uphill, will reduce your mileage. By removing that extra weight, you can improve your gas mileage.
4.Use cruise control
In Gas Saving Tip #9 above, I talked about keeping a steady pace. An easy way to do this and improve your mileage is to use cruise control. Use it whenever you find that you can maintain a steady pace for a long time. You won’t have to use the throttle (thus using more gas) if you can keep a steady pace with cruise control.
3. Avoid excessive idling
They say, “Idle hands are the work of the devil,” but idle cars play into the hands of evil gas companies, because idle cars cause you to waste more fuel per mile. Lesson learned? Don’t let your car idle or you’ll be wasting gas.
2. Choose a better route
Stay away from roads with lots of stoplights and heavy traffic. Just because you choose a short route doesn’t mean you’ll save the most gas. But, if you don’t have to stop much, definitely go for the shortest route.
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1. Drive slower
This one is obvious. Those with a lead foot will spend more money on gas. Cars are estimated to get over 20% more mileage when going 55 mph than when going 70 mph. Obviously, that’s not always practical, but when you can, choose to drive slower and you’ll save more money on gas (plus not have to worry about speeding tickets).
