If you are sick of filling up your gas tank constantly and getting charged outrageous prices, then it's time you read some tips on saving gas. We will discuss some simple ways that you can improve your gas mileage that you may not even know about. Some of the tips are so simple that you may be surprised that you didn't know them already. They will help you keep your wallet fat and your gas tank full! With all the extra money you save you may even be able to go on that cruise you've been looking forward to...
Get routine check ups done:
You will notice that your car uses a lot more gas when it isn't in tip-top condition. Cars require routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations in order to run at their highest level. If a vehicle isn't performing at its highest level it will use more gas than necessary. One of the main things that can have a negative impact on gas mileage is having a dirty air filter. Your car's air filter should be replaced every 15,000-25,000 miles to reduce the amount of gas being used. You can check the specific amount of miles that your air filter should be changed in your owner's manual. You won't have to worry about going broke because air filters are very inexpensive and can easily be replaced. Of course, it is also important to change your oil on a routine basis and check your tire pressure to save on gas.
Stop driving a car that sucks up gas:
We probably don't have to explain to you that the best way to save money on gas is to purchase a more fuel efficient car. Like most of us, you probably can't just buy a new car when you feel like it, but if you've been shopping for new cars you might consider a hybrid or another fuel efficient vehicle. For those of you who don't prefer the hybrid vehicles, many auto dealers are selling other types of vehicles that were made to get better gas mileage. Purchasing a new car or a newer used car will all depend on what kind of style you're interested in and how much gas you would like to save.
Start searching for bargains:
This doesn't mean drive all over town wasting even more gas! It means you should search online for the cheapest stations in your area. If it's too far out of the way, don't bother going just to save a few cents a gallon that you will use just trying to get there and back! Find the stations closest to your home and fuel up at the least expensive ones. You can also count on wholesale stores to have discounts on fuel when you sign up for a membership. In fact, you may be able to save close to $0.10 per gallon when you fill your tank up at Costco or Sam's Club.
Behave yourself when you drive:
You may not realize it, but the way you drive can have a profound effect on your gas mileage. If you're frequently driving over 60 mph or if you're constantly weaving in and out of traffic then you could be using a lot more gas than necessary. When you drive at a constant speed and accelerate slowly when you're starting off, it tends to save a lot of gas. If you allow yourself time to start braking sooner and you slow down at a constant speed you can also save some gas. According to fueleconomy.com: "You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas." So control your speed and use cruise control and you should start to see some savings.
Always obey the rules at the pump:
Always use the correct gasoline that your car requires for the best performance. If your car requires regular gasoline, using premium will not improve performance. You can get away with using regular in some premium tanks to save money, but this could lower performance levels and you should always check your owner's manual before you switch gasoline types. Listen to the instructions at every fuel pump and don't top off your tank - this can lead to overfilling and wasted gasoline! When you pay for your gas you should use a specific gas station credit card to save a couple of cents a gallon, as long as you won't forget to pay it off. Finally, don't forget to tighten your gas cap before you leave the station! You could end up wasting a lot of the gas you just put in your tank if your cap is loose.
Get out that old bike from the garage:
Gas prices are way too high to drive places that are in walking distance or biking distance. When you need to go far you should consider carpooling or taking the bus. Always plan ahead and do your errands all in one drive. Just think, you will be saving on gas and money while helping the environment at the same time. If at all possible - don't drive!
About the Author:
Paige Bennett, director of marketing, works for Drive Time, an industry leading used car dealer that specializes in providing car loans to people with credit problems.
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