In a perfect world, everyone would get a new, ultra-fuel-efficient car while at the same time reducing their overall mileage. Alas, that is not an option for most people. Until that happens, follow these simple steps to cover the most ground with the gasoline you buy.
Plan Your Route
Much of the gas-saving process takes place outside of your car doors. Preparation is hugely important in being more gas efficient. Before you even leave your house, plan your route. If you have to go into the city, think of everything you’ll need. If you can combine trips to a similar area you’ll save yourself plenty of gas and time.
Make sure you also know the cheap gas stations around you, especially near your home. Figure out which station you prefer to go to, keeping in mind that it may not be worth driving 30 minutes to save a penny per gallon. Also, try to carry cash to pay for your gas. Until you know there’s no fee, keep in mind that many gas stations include a surcharge for using a card.
Drive Smart to Save
Once you’ve closed the door, buckled your seatbelt and gripped the wheel, you are ready to save money on the go. The most important thing to remember while driving is to drive smoothly. Every time you press the accelerator, you are using more gas. Every time you’ll break, you will need to accelerate. This means those drivers who are speeding up rapidly and stopping just as quickly on the freeway are using much more gasoline than they need to. Coast into stops instead of slamming the brakes and avoid tailgating to drive more smoothly. Practice this and it will become a habit. Gradual driving will save you gas and is much safer than constant starts and stops.
When your car becomes a sauna, you can’t be expected to take the heat. There are ways, though, to cool your car economically. When you are driving at low speeds, use your windows to cool down your ride as the air conditioning can cause the engine to run less efficiently. On the highways, however, it is better to use the air conditioning with the windows rolled up, as open windows cause a fuel-depleting drag at high speeds.
Next, if you know you will be idling for 30 seconds or more, turn the car off! Starting the car takes gas, but less than the amount used for 30 seconds of idling. If you find yourself at a packed drive-through or bank window, shut off the engine to save gas.
After you’ve finally made it to your destination, park strategically in the shade if possible. Gas can actually evaporate in high temperatures, especially in older cars. Parking in the shade should minimize this as well as reduce the need for air conditioning when you return.
Maintenance for Efficiency
Following these tips without taking care of your car is like exercising to lose weight while eating fast food for every meal. Keep your car well tuned. A clean running engine will be far more gas efficient than a struggling one. Keep your tires filled with air to avoid energy-wasting friction on the road, maximizing effectiveness. Reduce the weight of the car by removing any unneeded junk, as a lighter car will take less energy to move. Any items causing wind resistance, such as a bike or boat rack, should be detached to obtain the highest possible level of aerodynamics.
There is plenty you can do to reduce your gas bill without sacrificing your mileage. Plan your route, drive smoothly and keep your car in healthy shape and you will certainly lead a more gas-efficient life.
Do you have any more ideas to get the most bang for your buck on the road? Share them here!
