If your paying nearly $4 for a gallon of gas- and the pain of seeing your total gas price tipping the $60-70$ mark to fill up your tank, you're not alone. In fact, according to many analysts in the commodities industry are stating the gas prices are only going to get worse.
We all know by the government is not going to help, so we must help ourselves.The best way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to change your driving and car habits. Listed below are 10 sure fire gas saving tips that will help you at the pump. These methods also do not include th need to buy expensive add-on equipment or additives.
1. Use Cruise Control when driving on the highway:
According to automobile website Edmunds.com, cruise control lowers gas consumption by up to 15%. You would think this is a no-brainer using cruise control, but surveys have shown drivers rarely use this function.
2. Don't Idle- starting and stopping your engine needlessly is wasting gas.
If you think you'll be at a complete for more than a few minutes, turn off your engine. Idling your engine any longer consumes gas which is equivalent to when you start the engine. Also idling get 0 miles per gallon!
3. Browse the Internet to find the lowest gas prices in your area.
If you do a google search for (gas prices + location), it will provide you many gas comparison sites. However, don't waste your gas by driving 5-10 miles to save a few pennies.
4. Turn the pump handle at a 180 degree angle after filling up your car.
This gas saving tip forces a bit more fuel into your tank. Also, make sure you tighten the fuel cap firmly before you leave.
5. Buy gasoline in the mornings - or late evening is best.
During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement"
6. Go to Traffic.
Com which provides you with free traffic update information. The updates are not in real time, but are pretty close to it. If you drive the same route to work during the weekdays, you can sign up and have traffic alerts sent to you via E-mail or telephone. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call this toll free number (866)698-7232 for traffic information.
7. Maintain your Automobile.
Keep tires inflated, get rountine oil changes, replace your engine air filters. You should also use the best grade of motor oil recommended by the car's manufacturer.
8. Slow Down-
This gas saving tip will help you at the pump and avoid a traffic ticket. Always drive the recommended speed limit. In fact, you should not drive over 60 mph because traveling 65 mph or more decreases your fuel mileage by more than 20%.
9. Use your air-conditioning moderately-
I know at times it's difficult not to use your airconditioning in the summer, but you save almost 2 gallons of gas by rolling the windows down. I only use the air-conditioning if I'm driving at speeds at 60 mph for a continuous period of time.
10. Get rid of excess weight-
Remove excess weight from your care trunk or inside of car. Heavy parts like roof racks are not necessary, becasue the extra weight reduces gas mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
