We all know how the cost of gasoline can eat into you family's budget, but are there ways to make that 'bite' a bit smaller? Yes! Unfortunately we don't have a time machine, and can't get you back to buck a gallon gas, but we can trim that gas bill a bit with these helpful steps.
- Keep your engine tuned up - A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30% (Fuel Savings up to $1.00 a gallon)
- Keep your tires properly inflated - Keeping tires properly inflated, will not only make your tires last longer but they will keep you safer. Of course proper tire pressure will save you gas too! Under-inflated tires will lower your gas mileage by 0.3% for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch) pressure. Always use the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle on the sticker in your drivers door-jamb, or inside your trunk lid.
- Observe speed limits - Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 55 m.p.h.
- Drive Sensibly - Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. (Fuel Savings up to $1.00 a gallon)
- Avoid Excessive idling - idling gets zero miles per gallon.
- Using cruise control - Use this feature on the highway to help maintain constant speed and save gas.
- Planning & combining trips - Combining errands into one trip saves time and money
- Commuting - Try to stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours, you will spend less time sitting in traffic and consume less fuel.
- Traveling- Unless the attached roof rack or bike rack is necessary, remove it when it isn't being used. Those added features add up to a 5% decrease in fuel economy.
- Lighten up -Remove extra weight from your trunk. Those golf clubs and books to be donated are eating up your gas.
- Refuel in the early morning - When it's colder, gasoline's molecular structure will condense. Since you are paying by volume not weight, use science in your favor.
As we all know, the days of dollar a gallon gas are long gone... but use some of these tips, to maximize your fuel efficiency, and use those saved dollars for something fun!
*Gas savings estimates based on gas at $3.00 a gallon. Information from
www.fueleconomy.gov