Basic Tactics To Save Your Cash On Gasoline

With the ugly shape of the economy and continually rising energy costs, the pressure is on all families to preserve wherever possible. Energy efficiency is a high priority, whether the purchase is for a new furnace, air conditioning unit, water dispenser, heater, automobile, and more.

So if you already have your vehicle and are not in the market for another, are there energy and money saving options you can utilize? Definitely, and gasoline is a prime target.

With gasoline prices setting new records for all-time highs, everyone’s looking to get better mileage and save money at the pumps. Keep reading for 8 simple and low-cost ways you can reduce your gas spending today.

1. Buy a hybrid

Easier said than done, buying a hybrid car is a big initial investment. But with mileage as high as 50 miles to the gallon, a hybrid can save you thousands every year.

2. Pump up your tires

A car with under-inflated tires uses approximately 6 percent more gas than a car with filled tires. If you don’t know the proper tire pressure for your car, check for a label in your car that displays this information - usually along the edge of the driver side door or inside the gas cap cover. If not there, check the car’s user guide.

3. Get a regular oil change

Clean oil will reduce the friction between the moving parts in your engine, meaning your car will run more efficiently and you can reduce your fuel consumption by 3 percent.

4. Drive slower

The magic number for maximum fuel efficiency is 55 miles per hour. For every 5 miles over, it will cost you approximately an extra 3 percent per gallon.

5. Avoid fast stops and starts

You can conserve a fair amount of gas by avoiding fast stops and starts. Instead of screeching to a stop at traffic lights and then speeding away, come to a slow and steady stop. You should slow down and speed up as gradually and smoothly as possible.

6. Replace the air filter

Like a clogged lint trap, a dirty air filter will reduce your car’s efficiency and increase your fuel consumption. Have your air filter checked when you get your oil changed, or replace it yourself. It’s a cheap and easy fix most people can do; check your car manual for instructions.

7. Clear out that junk

If you’ve got mountain bikes on your roof and a trunk full of junk, you could be spending a fortune on unnecessary fuel consumption. For every 100 pounds of cargo that a car carries, the gas mileage is reduced by about 2 percent!

8. Use your vents, not your air conditioner

Most car owners know that running the air conditioner can cost a lot in gas, but open windows can increase your drag, also resulting in additional gasoline usage. Your best option is to use your vents to get fresh air circulating and keep you cool in moderate weather. Save the air conditioner for the more intense heat.

For the most part, saving money on your gasoline expense is common sense and relatively simple to accomplish.