• Save Money on Gas

    If you know how to save money on gas, you can make a huge dent in your monthly fuel expenses.

    And reducing your fuel consumption is more than a matter of economics. The rising cost of gas, the dependency on foreign oil and the damage that fuel production and usage can cause to our environment is something to think about.

    There is no way to completely reduce these problems - at least while still owning and using a gas-burning vehicle - but there are many ways to minimize them.

    Here are some quick tips for saving money at the pump - and consuming less fuel. 

    Save Gas by Driving Smarter

    Here's how:

    * Keep your car in top condition - If your car is maintained at its optimum condition, including frequent oil changes, tune-ups and any necessary repairs, it will burn less gas. Make sure the gas cap is always tightly sealed and the external trim is properly secured.

    * Get good tires - Monitor the condition of your tires and replace them when they are starting to show wear. Even if they don’t show any problems, they should be replaced on a regular basis, depending upon the specifications of the tire. Make sure to maintain proper tire pressure as well; underinflated tires cause a huge waste of fuel.

    * Maintain proper speed - Maintaining the speed limit is not only good for your safety, it’s good for your fuel efficiency as well. The optimum driving speed is around 55 mph, and every mile above 60 mph costs you.

    * Slow your stops and starts - Gunning the engine to hit 60 like a race car wastes gas, and waiting until you are upon a stop sign to stop pressing on the gas is not only dangerous but a waste as well. Always accelerate at a slow, even pace and anticipate stops by letting your car coast a while before you need to start braking.

    * Reduce your air conditioning - Whether or not to use the AC in your car should be dictated by the speed you are driving. When driving in town and making frequent stops, running the AC gets expensive due to the higher idling of your engine, so opt for windows down if possible. On the highway, however, having the windows down will create a wind-drag on your vehicle and have the opposite effect. It is best to keep all windows shut tightly and the AC running as low as is comfortable when driving at higher speeds.

    * Lighten up - Reduce the amount of weight in your trunk and on top of your car to reduce drag. Non-essential items in the trunk, such as sandbags, an old flat tire, canned goods or tools cause your engine to work harder and use more gas. If you aren’t specifically transporting the heavy items somewhere, then take them out. The same goes for items on top of your car. Remove luggage racks if possible, and do not use them to carry items unless there is no room elsewhere for them. Modern vehicles are designed to let the air flow smoothly over the car, but having items on top interrupts that flow creating a drag on the engine.

    These are just a handful of the top things you can do to reduce your gas mileage. You can test out a variety of options for your car by keeping track of your habits and gas mileage or by installing a mileage meter. Learn more about ways to reduce your gas consumption through educational websites such as EcoDrivingUSA.com and DriveSmarterChallenge.org.

    And here are more ways to save money on fuel:

    Be a loyal customer. Some gas stations will give you a loyalty discount if you buy from them regularly or join a loyalty club. Some credit cards will also give points or cash back for gas purchases.

    Get a Gas Card. CreditCard.com allows you to compare gas reward credit cards. These gas rebate credit cards allow you to earn higher cash back rebates for fuel purchases along with 1% on all other purchases. Click here for details.

    Choose the right grade. Before you pay more, find out if your car's engine was designed for premium gasoline. Experts say that the less expensive grades are fine for many vehicles. Consult your owner's manual to see if your car needs the more expensive grade. If your owner's manual doesn't mention the recommended grade of gasoline, consult your mechanic or car dealer.

    Consider Car Sharing Can you give somebody else a ride to work in the mornings and split the cost? Talk to friends and colleagues to gauge interest in such an arrangement, or do a google search for car pools in your area.

    Consider public transportation. So many opportunities exist for convenient public transportation. You may be able to get some work done en route, too (or, at the very least, some peace and quiet before and after your work day.)

    Shop around for the best fuel prices. You might be surprised how much the price of gas can vary from pump to pump. A simple Internet search can help you locate the cheapest local options before you even leave your house.


    With the price of fuel on the rise and concerns about global warming leading to increased pressure on government to tax motorists, it has never been more important to know how to save money on gas.

    In the long run, all you need to do is reassess your driving habits and take good care of your car, which is a wise move regardless of the price at the pump.



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