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Avoid
using gas completely when possible by biking or walking to your
destination.
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Use
public transportation if available to you.
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Carpooling.
Besides being great for the environment it's also great on gas.
Why should two people drive solo and burn twice as much gas when
you can just ride with someone else. Even if it's a couple of days
a week it's great. It's great in the winter time too. On freezing
days it's great when it's the other person's day to drive. They
arrive and the car is usually already warmed up. Plus it saves on
the wear and tear of your car. That of course means less oil changes,
repair work and maintenance
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In
city driving, open windows instead of using the AC to keep cool.
On highways use the AC since having the windows open increases drag
and requires more fuel to compensate.
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If
you own a car starter, don't let the car run idle for longer than
necessary. Idling engines waste gas, but also give off more carbon
dioxide than while driving the vehicle. If you know you'll be idling
for more than 30 seconds its better to shut off the engine and restart
the car when ready.
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Unless
your car requires premium gasoline stick with using regular.
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Plan
your shopping trips to avoid unnecessary mileage. Plan to go to
multiple stores on one day as opposed to making extra separate trips.
Make a shopping list as well, so you don't forget anything and have
to go back.
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Extra
weight in the car means your car has to work harder to carry the
load. Clean out your car and trunk to remove any unnecessary weight.
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Make
sure tires are properly inflated. Deflated or over inflated tires
don't grab the road as well decreasing your fuel efficiency. On
the inside of the car door you can usually find the cars recommended
inflation.
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Have
your tires rotated every 5000-10000 miles. Rotating the tires prevents
excessive wear on any one part of a tire. This can prolong the life
of tires saving you more than just fuel cost.
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If
your call seems to pull to one direction you also may need an alignment.
Having a poor alignment causes the engine to work harder. This also
burns more fuel.
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Beware
of gas saving gadgets. I've always said that if a $20 device could
really cut gas mileage significantly than all major car companies
would automatically install them in their cars. The car companies
don't install the devices because they're tested and don't work.
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Don't
accelerate too quickly or brake too hard. Braking too hard also
shortens the life span of brakes costing you more in repairs.
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For
manual transmission vehicles, higher RPMS in lower gears burn more
fuel. Stay in higher gears with lower RPMS when possible.
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Try
to use Google Maps or Mapquest
to make sure you're going the shortest distance to your destination
when traveling. You could also shave minutes off your commute giving
you more time do more enjoyable things.
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Look
into purchasing a hybrid vehicle. Some hybrids even get you tax
credits. Find out before your purchase because tax credits decrease
as a vehicles sales reach certain numbers.
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If
you drive a gas guzzling SUV, truck or car look into downsizing
to something more practical. You may even save more on insurance
depending on the rating of the smaller vehicle.
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Speed
limits were created to save lives, but also to save on fuel. Driving
over 55 mph greatly decreases the amount of miles you get per gallon.
The reason behind this is that the faster you drive the more wind
resistance your car has to overcome. Speeding can decrease your
efficiency by 20 percent or more.
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If
there's a long line at the drive through at your local restaurant,
pull over and run in. You'll save gas and many times you'll even
get your food faster.
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Even
though gas prices are high, don't go nuts driving around for the
cheapest price. Don't go crazy driving 10 miles out of your way
to get the cheapest gas. Usually you burn more than what you save
and also cost yourself time. Try this great link to find the cheapest
and closest gas at Mapquest.
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Double
check the price you see advertised when driving by. Some gas stations
are starting to advertise one price, but the price at the pump can
be several cents higher if using a credit card. To recoup some of
the cost lost to credit card companies some stations are charging
consumers more per gallon if not paying in cash.
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Don't
try to stretch oil changes too far. Keeping your car engine lubricated
reduces friction and keeps your car running smoothly. You can damage
your engine by trying to save a few dollars by stretching the time
between oil changes. It can also cause your car to burn more gas,
costing you more than you save by postponing the oil change. (Try
and keep a log of maintenance you perform. Many times when going
in for oil changes you may by told you need other work that may
not be true. Some task you can easily do yourself. Usually a wiper
blade can cost $15-20 each at some garages, where you could just
replace them yourself by getting them at Walmart or other locations
for $5-10 each. Air filters might not even need replacing, but also
could be purchased for $5-10 as opposed to $20 plus at some garages.
