Gas Saving Tips

Are you tired of filling up your car with expensive gasoline? While this is something you will have to do from time to time, there are steps you can take to improve the gas mileage of your vehicle. Subsequently, you are able to save time and money over the long run.

Here are several gas saving tips to consider:

1. Change your driving habits. Are you the type of person who speeds from one stop sign to the next? Do you find yourself driving dangerously fast while on the highway? By making a few adjustments to the way you drive, you will begin to notice just how much fuel you can save. Don’t drive too fast or too slow. Don’t accelerate or brake too hard.

Here is an example: did you know that driving 62 miles per hour as opposed to 75 miles per hour can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent?

2. Keep tires properly inflated. This is one of the best ways to save on gas, however, it is something that most drivers continue to overlook. The best thing you can do is keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your tire manufacturer. An under inflated tire, even if only by 2 PSI, can increase fuel consumption by one percent. Imagine how much gas you are wasting if all four tires are low on air.

3. Don’t use the air conditioner unless you absolutely have to. Let’s face it: there are times when you need to crank the AC to ensure that you don’t overheat while driving. That being said, this puts extra strain on the engine resulting in more fuel being used.

If possible, keep the air conditioner off and the windows closed. While open windows can let in a nice breeze, the increased drag can decrease fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. 

4. Service your vehicle regularly, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Did you know that proper maintenance can go a long way in increasing fuel economy? Dirty air filters and old spark plugs, for instance, can really take a toll on your vehicle. Not only can this hold you back from getting better gas mileage, but it can harm your vehicle in other ways.

5. Use cruise control when traveling on the highway. You can save a lot of gas by maintaining a constant speed when traveling long distances. In short, you are avoiding all the accelerating and braking that can kill your gas mileage.

No matter who you are or what type of vehicle you drive, it is easy to implement these five gas saving tips. Once you do so, don’t be surprised if you find your tank of gas lasting longer.