Save Money On Gas

In a time where gas prices are reaching $4 to $6 a gallon across the United States, drivers are trying to get the most out of their purchase. Since you can’t really lower the cost of gas, the only other option is getting as many miles as possible per gallon. Here are a few gas saving tips that will make a huge impact on your monthly budget.

#1 Gas Saving Tips – Watch Your Speed

Once your vehicle is moving faster than 60 miles per hour, the cost of your gas is increasing. In fact, for every 5 miles per hour over 60, experts believe you’re paying an additional 31 cents per gallon of gas. This is why it’s important to set your car on cruise control when driving on the highway. After all, the average speed limit on a highway is 65, but most people drive 70 or 75 miles per hour.

So, if you’re rushing to get to work, consider leaving a little earlier. No one wants to spend an extra 62 to 93 cents per gallon of gas. This is one of the best gas saving tips we can offer you, but it also reduces your risk of getting a speeding ticket or ending up in an accident.

#2 Gas Saving Tips – Tone down the Aggressive Driving

You’ve probably been passed by an aggressive driver at some point in your life. They seem to weave in and out of traffic, slam on their breaks, and accelerate with their foot to the floor (we’ll talk more about acceleration later). You might even be one of these drivers, but this technique is only going to hurt your finances.

Studies have shown that braking, speeding, and rapid acceleration can reduce your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway. If you drive like this around town, your mileage per gallon will be reduced by about 5 percent.

Again; gas saving tips like this one will eliminate most of the potential risks regarding accidents and speeding tickets.

#3 Gas Saving Tips – The Benefits of Sensible Driving

Individuals who are willing to drive more sensibly benefit the most from their fuel. For instance, moderate driving speeds can increase your fuel economy benefit by as much as 33%, while the amount of money you save can be as much as $1.28 per gallon. It’s a huge benefit for anyone who wants to get the most from their gas.

Studies have shown that vehicles get more miles to the gallon when driving on the highway as opposed to inner-city areas. In most cases, the driver believes it’s better to drive on the highway. However, you have to consider your overall speed. A person who keeps their vehicle on cruise control at 70mph will see more benefits than someone accelerating, braking, and speeding at various speeds.

Just remember, the ideal speed is 60mph on the highway, especially if you want get the most from your fuel.

#4 Gas Saving Tips – Don’t “Weigh Down” the Vehicle

If you want to get the maximum amount of miles per gallon, the vehicle shouldn’t have anything heavy in it. There will be times when heavy items must be transported from one location to another, but don’t forget to take them out of your vehicle. When the car or truck is weighted down, your gas mileage suffers.

In the winter time, weighing down the vehicle helps when snow or ice is present on the road. The point is; we understand there are times when this is a must, but when it’s not, make sure all the excess weight is removed. Just by taking advantage of gas savings tips like this could save you anywhere from 27 cents per gallon to 89 cents per gallon. Also, the fuel economy benefit will be somewhere around 7% to 23%.

Experts say that an extra 100lbs. added to your vehicle’s weight can reduce your miles per gallon by 2%. Another thing to remember is that the weight will affect smaller vehicles with 4-cylinders more than it will larger vehicles.

#5 Gas Saving Tips – The Myth about Idling

For years people believed idling at stop signs, railroad crossings, and various other points would give you more miles on each tank of gas. In some cases this is true (i.e. coasting down hills in neutral), but the majority of the time it will hurt the overall cost of gas. Those who can avoid excessive idling will save between .04 cents to .08 cents per gallon.

Anything less than a dime doesn’t sound like much, but over time these amounts quickly add up. So the next time you turn on your vehicle in the driveway and sit there putting on make-up, changing the radio or texting on your phone; wait to do those things before you start the engine. After all, idling can use anywhere from 1/4 of a gallon to a 1/2 gallon of gas per hour. Granted, this depends on the size of the engine, the use of the air conditioner, and various other factors.

#6 Gas Saving Tips – Turn off the Air Conditioner

Also, did you know the air conditioner can cost an extra .02 cents to .04 per minute it is used? Most people understand the air conditioner eats up fuel, but we will usually choose comfort over money. The best choice is only using your air conditioner when it’s necessary. It’s also a good idea to turn the A/C off before turning off the vehicle.

#7 Gas Saving Tips – Overdrive Gears

We do know it’s a good idea to use overdrive gears when necessary. When the car’s engine speed decreases, the amount of gas being used also becomes lower. It’s just another one of our gas saving tips for you to consider.

Conclusion

You can use a couple of these gas saving tips or all of them. The more you use, the more you will save when it comes to the cost of fuel. Plus, each one of these tips can reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. In the end, it gives you the opportunity to get more out of your gas and reduce the overall repair costs on your car or truck.