How To Save Gas

How To Save Gas At The Pump: A Survival Guide

These proven processes on how to save gas will ensure that you're getting the most value for your hard earned money at the pump. Bottom line, you will put that extra cash in your pocket instead of someone elses.

Tips To Save Gas At The Pump

1. Drive within the speed limit. I know, we're usually in a hurry to get somewhere. But, I've found time and again that driving within the limit (or just a few miles over) causes you to use less fuel. The faster you drive, the more gas you use up.
2. Use your cruise control. This works especially well on the highway or for long trips. Basically, keeping your vehicle at a constant speed reduces the amount of fuel you burn.
3. Downsize. The big roomier cars and trucks are nice, but ouch, many of them are gas guzzlers. You may want to consider driving the smaller, more fuel efficient cars.

   It's great. The car companies are getting it. They're listening to what consumers want and responding to our needs.

   Not only are the automakers putting out more fuel savy cars, but at the same time they're also designing these cars with more interior room. The best of both worlds.

   We're getting a little off the how to save gas topic, but if you are shopping for a car, save yourself a lot of money. Buy used, preferably a car that's about 2 years old that's still covered by a warranty. Most cars lose about half their value in the first two years through depreciation.

Here are also three great car review sources we'd like to share with you: autotrader.com, jdpower.com and edmunds.com.

4. Lighten up the car. The more weight you're car has to lug around, the more gas it will guzzle. Believe me, we've been guilty of this. There are countless times where I've forgotten to pull my tools and other unnecessary items out of the trunk.
5. How to save gas with tire inflation. Under inflated tires cause faster tire wear and yes, more gas guzzling. It's a quick check that we can all do. In fact, we check the tires after each oil change and tire rotation. It's also a good idea for you to check tire pressure when there are extreme changes in outside temperature.
6. Basic car maintenance. Changing your oil, getting scheduled tune ups, replacing your air filter and rotating your tires (every other oil change) can save you an average of 15% in gas use alone. It makes sense since you're keeping the car healthy and in good running condition.
7. How to save gas with proper acceleration. Try to avoid punching the peddle. I know, I've done it. It's tempting to accelerate fast from a stop or in traffic when you need to get somewhere fast. But, you do burn more gas then you would if you were to accelerate slowly.
8. AC. We only use our air conditioning when needed. If you can stay cool with your air vents or by rolling down your window, that's the way to go because AC will reduce your gas mileage. But if you need the AC, use it. Not using it when needed is not worth your comfort or health.
9. Windows. You're gonna love this one. Keeping the windows shut when driving at highway speeds will reduce your gas consumption. It makes sense because open windows cause an air drag on the car.
10. Ice. Burrr.. You've seen this before during the cold months where your car accumulates snow and ice on the frame and body. This can add up to 100 pounds of weight to your car. The more weight your car has to pull, the more gas you will use up.

    Solution: If you have the time, brush the snow off the car. For getting the ice off the frame, we've found that throwing warm water on it works well.

11. Octane rating. We don't fill our gas tank up with higher octane then what's needed. You can take a quick look at your owners manual for the right rating. For example, the octane rating for our cars is 87, so we're not gonna put the higher priced octane 91 into our tank.


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