How to save on gasoline

We always seem to be looking for more efficient ways to operate our cars. Part of saving money on our cars is watching our gasoline usage, so how do we save on gasoline? Making sure we do everything we possibly can to operate and maintain our vehicles so they use as little fuel as possible and give us the most mileage for our buck is key! So how do we do this? Saving money on gasoline is much easier than you might think! It does not have to be difficult or even time consuming to makes sure you get the most bang for your fuel buck. Take a peek below at some great tips that will teach you exactly how to save on gasoline!

If you want to know how to save on cars, you also need to learn how to save on fuel. So take a look and see how you can get started!

The 10 Best Ways to Save on Gas:

1. Protect Your Investment:

Did you know that a properly maintained vehicle will run more efficiently and give you better mileage? This alone saves you big bucks on gas. It is important to take your car for regular oil changes, and not neglect any unusual changes in your car. Take time for regular tune ups as well. Are you one of those people who ignores warning lights? Don’t! They are there for a reason and should always be investigated. Do these tasks and you will see how your investment will perform so much better for you!

2. Limit Your Driving:

This sounds difficult at first, but it doesn’t mean you need to quit driving all together. Basically, just find ways to cut back on your driving. If your coworkers live near you, try carpooling. When out running errands, try combining trips instead of making multiple runs throughout the week. When shopping, try taking the first parking spot you find and walking instead of cruising the lot for 10-15 minutes for a closer space. By being more aware of how much you are driving, you can start trimming back little by little. This trimming won’t take long to start showing either.

3. Watch Your Speed:

It is important to maintain a consistent speed when driving. Avoid extreme accelerations which quickly burn gas. While driving, you also want to avoid hard and fast braking. Cruise control will keep you at a constant speed and is advisable to use while on the highway. You will notice that when you do, your gas will take you further. Another bonus? Your passengers won’t feel as car sick!

4. Check Those Spark Plugs:

It is important to know about spark plugs and how they affect your mileage. Platinum spark plugs may claim to last 100,000 miles, but they have been known to give up at just 75,000 miles. The great news is spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to replace. Take care of these and you will stretch your mileage.

5. Don’t Top Up Your Tank Between Fills.

Not only is this wasted money but it is so bad for the environment. When you do this, it forces liquid fuel into the emissions system where it overwhelms circuits that are supposed to only route fuel tank vapors to the engine. Instead why not wait until you have a quarter tank? When you are hauling a lighter fuel load it makes your mileage so much better.

6.Keep Tire Pressure in Check:

Tires play a huge role in your mileage. Check the air in the tires every few weeks and fill to the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Excessive pressure adds very little efficiency and can cause bad handling and uneven tire wear. Luckily, gas stations usually have air pumps that are free to use and automatically inflate the tires to a pressure set on the pump.

7. Don’t Tailgate:

This may seem like an unusual tip, but it is a good one! Don’t tailgate as it will cause quick braking. As you heard before, quick stop and go driving and braking really wastes gas. Instead, keep a safe distance and make your gas go the distance too!

8. Avoid the Temptation to Idle:

When your car idles, you are wasting has. Think about it! While idling, your car gets exactly 0 mile per gallon while starting the car uses the same amount as idling for 6 seconds. And idling with the air conditioning on also uses even more fuel that you don’t need to be wasting! Instead, park your car and turn it off. It is that simple!

9. Be Efficient When You Fill:

Something to keep in mind when you fill up… fill the tank full! If you need to fill up, fill up all the way. The more money you try to save by adding $10 today and then $20 tomorrow will be wasted since each time you will have to travel to the station and wait for a pump. Instead, do it all at once to save time and money.

10. Don’t Park in the Sun:

Most people avoid sunny parking spots since they don’t want to return to a smoking hot car. But did you know that gasoline actually evaporates right out of your tank, and it does so faster when you park directly in the sun? Parking in the shade however keeps it cooler inside your car more gas in your tank, and as a bonus you will need less A/C to cool off when you get back in! It is a win win!

Cars are expensive to buy, own, and operate. Make it a little easier on your car and your budget by following these ten tips on how to save gas. You will find that your fuel lasts longer, your mileage is better, and you end the week with more money in your wallet!

For more car saving tips – check out my other ideas on How to save money on cars.