How to save money on gas?
Gasoline for cars has become more expensive in the last few years. With the ongoing battle with countries that fulfill the world’s fuel supply, it seems that the price may continue to climb in the coming months and years. Thankfully, there are some things you can do which can help you save money on gas for your vehicle.
Trade in your old vehicle or buy a new car that is more fuel efficient. This is especially true if you drive long distances to work and home, or have a vehicle that guzzles down gas. SUV’s are sometimes necessary if you have a large family, but having a smaller automobile that you can drive when it is just you in the car will help you save a lot of money on gas.
Keep your car well maintained. You may notice that brand new cars get the best gas mileage, and then that rate tends to decline over time. This is because the car needed to be properly maintained in order to run effectively. Change the oil every 3,000 miles, and be sure to have other maintenance done at the proper time or mileage intervals.
Avoid the highest octane gas. Some feel that the 93 octane better for your car’s fuel system, but others say that it is just as good as the 89 octane. Regardless of the personal opinions, if you want to save money on the gas you use in your vehicle, you will want to go with the cheapest grade available.
Refrain from letting your car idle. You may want to allow the engine to heat up before you leave on a cold morning, but things actually get warm quicker while you are driving then when you are letting the vehicle run unnecessarily. Allowing your car to idle can cost you up to one quart every 15 minutes, which can amount to a huge waste of gas and money.
Only drive when you have to. Try to combine trips and errands so that you get the most done without wasting too much gas. Being more frugal with the gas in your tank will allow you to go longer before refilling it. Effective use of the gas you have is what will save you money in the long run.
Stop yourself from having a lead foot. Accelerating quickly will waste more gas than if you allow your car to gradually pick up speed. In traffic, avoid going too fast so that you do not have constantly slam on your brakes. Like the accelerator, hitting the brakes hard will also use more gas than if you slowly come to a stop.
As you can see, there are many small ways in which you can save money on gas. New cars tend to have the best gas mileages, as automobile makers are putting more emphasis on fuel efficient cars. You may want to consider trading in your current vehicle or buying a new car to drive on long trips. The money you could save in gas may very well make it worth it.
