How to save money on gas
Gas prices seem to keep going up and up and the money in people's wallets is getting squeezed tighter and tighter. If you are one of the many people who is being affected by gas prices, there are some things you can do to save money on gas. Unfortunately the gas prices are affecting more than refueling our cars, the gas prices impact the cost of food an other luxuries. The trucking industry is charging more for shipping items, thereby impacting consumers. For example, over the last year, the price of dairy products has increased 10% to compensate for the shipping costs that have increased due to the gas prices. The rise in dairy products will impact the amount you would spend for a normal cheese pizza or for an ice cream cone. So how can you cut back on the amount of gas you use in your car and save money on gas? Here are some tips to help:
Start by driving less. Can you walk to the grocery store or other places? Consider joining a carpool to get to work or ride the bus or a mass transit system. If it is possible, use a bike to get around. You can reduce the number of hours you spend driving by moving closer to your work. You might be able to reduce the number of cars in your home by doing this. Try to eliminate the need for several short trips into one long trip. Running back to the grocery store every day can add miles on your car and will increase the amount of money you spend to refuel your car. Make a list to help you avoid going back and forth to the store.
When you get to the town for shopping; walk between stops. You may be stopping a strip mall and typically you would drive from one end of the other to avoid walking around with bags. Instead, park in the middle of the strip mall and walk around to the different stores, making stops at the car to drop off shopping bags. Another way many people waste gas is by driving around the parking lot trying to find the best spot. Avoid doing this and simply park in the first empty spot you see.
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Never be brand conscious when it comes to buying gas. Purchase your gasoline where you can get the best deal. Costco and Sam's Club offer cheaper gas to their members, so check with your club to see if they have discounted gas prices. Regular gas is generally the same and there isn't a significant different between any of the brands. All the brands actually filter their gas at the closest refinery and the only difference is that some companies include an additive that will be mixed when the gas is loaded into the truck. The additive must meet OEM and EPA performance standards so the only difference is the claim by the specific company.
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Gas Saving Resources:
Gas Relief The Gas Expense Plan a Road Trip with Gas Tracker The Gas Watch Save Money On Gas Reduce the Money You put on Gas 15 Things to Save on Gas 29 Tips for the Saving on Gas Save Gas Reduce the Amount of Money and Not the Gas You Need |
Low octane regular gas is typically all that your car really needs. Octane is merely a rating of the fuel's tendency to cause engine-damaging knock in a high-compression engine. Most people do not have a high compression engine, so the need for a higher grade is not necessary. Cars have been required by law to run efficiently and maintain warranty compliance on low octane regular fuel. Be sure to check your owners manual to make sure you are using the right type of gas.
Consider applying for a credit card. Some credit cards will offer gas savings each time you use the card to make a purchase. It is similar to the frequent flyer miles or reward credit cards. Some gas stations also have loyalty clubs and will provide you with a discounted rate each time you use their card. Maverick is one of the gas companies that has a loyalty card, but their gas is not available in all states. Be sure to check with the local gas stations in your area to see if they have a membership card.
Use the internet to search for web deals. Gasbuddy.com allows you to search for the latest gas prices in your area. If you are planning a vacation, this web site can help you map out the cheapest gas prices on your travel route. Some other web sites that provide gas prices are GasPricesRelief.com and GasPriceWatch.com.
Another way to save money on gas is to fill your gas tank in the early morning. The ground and air temperature are generally lower in the early morning hours and pumps will deliver slightly more if the fuel is cool. This also helps to prevent evaporation from the pump to your car because the fuel is cool. Try to avoid buying fuel when the gas station has just refilled its tanks. The fuel that is fresh from the refinery is often warm and you will pay a little bit extra for warm gas. Steer clear of a gas station for a couple days if you notice their tanks were just refilled. When all the fuel is dumped into the tanks, the sediment and condensation gets stirred up and then is pumped into the next cars that are filled up. The sediment and condensation will shorten the life or plug up your fuel filter.
Avoid refueling your car when it is completely empty. Try to refuel your tank when it is as the last quarter. This will extend your gas because you are hauling a lighter fuel load. In cold weather, you do run an increased risk of condensation in the fuel tank, so running a car with a quarter tank can shorten the life of the electric fuel pump and destroy the pump because it overheats.
When you refuel your car, always fill the tank full. Never fuel $10 or $20 worth into your car because this money will be wasted each time you have to run to the station and pump just a little bit more into your car. Do it all at once to save time and money. Avoid topping off the tank too because it is wasted money. Not only does this hurt the environment by emitting vapors, it overwhelms circuits that are supposed to route fuel tank vapors to the engine when it is running and can be burned.
Statistics have shown that gas prices are generally cheaper on a Wednesday so try to save your refuel for Wednesday. Always buy gas 3 days before a holiday as gas prices always increase for the holidays.
Proper car maintenance is another way to save on gas prices. By properly maintaining your car, you will ensure it is running as efficiently as possible. Change the oil on a regular basis and consider using a synthetic blend of oil instead of mineral oil. Synthetic oil helps your engine to run better and provides better mileage. You should also upgrade your air filter. You may have to pay a little more for the air filter, but it will help your car run better. Check your air filter and change it on a regular basis. Clogged air filters work overtime and this requires more fuel. Occasionally use a fuel injector cleaner or have a complete fuel system treatment. This will boost your gas mileage and improve your car's overall performance. A fouled injector will vaporize fuel poorly and this impacts how completely the fuel is burned. Have your tires properly maintained. Low resistance tires tend to increase gas mileage. Your tires need to be at their proper inflation level to help reduce the amount of fuel that is burned. Check the air pressure in your tires each week to keep them inflated to the recommendations specified in your car manual.
The lighter you car is, the less fuel you are going to burn. Take out heavy objects from your car, as they are causing your car to burn more fuel. Remove a ski rack or bicycle rack when you are not using them. The bike rack and ski rack causes drag and lowers the mileage.
FuelEconomy.gov has reported that fuel efficiency decreases rapidly as speed rises above 60 miles per hour. Each 5 mile per hour over 60 adds about $0.20 per gallon to the cost of driving. Try to drive at a consistent speed. Hard braking and quick acceleration causes your car to burn more fuel. You should also avoid idling. When your car is idling, it gets 0 miles to the gallon, but it is still using fuel. Idling your car with the air conditioner on will also use extra fuel. Look far ahead when you are driving and anticipate the stop signs and lights. You can let up on the gas earlier and cost to a stop. Coasting to a stop will save the gasoline you would normally spend to maintain your speed longer. Maintain a safe following distance when you are driving. When you are tailgating the car in front of you, it will cause you to brake more and accelerate more. Allow the tailgaters to pass you when it is convenient and try to ignore them.
