Prices for gasoline can steadily fluctuate leaving many car owners feeling the price at the pump to save on gas. However, there are several practical strategies you can contrive to stretch your fuel budget. This will save you money on gas without you sacrificing your convenience or mobility.
In this article we will look at some of the strategies that will help you reduce your fuel expenses and maximize your savings. These tips will help you develop efficient driving habits and smart shopping for fuel that will grasp control of your fuel cost leaving you with more money.
Developing Fuel Efficient Driving Habits
One of the best and effective ways to save on gas for your car is to practice efficient driving habits that will increase your fuel economy. First thing is to avoid driving aggressive such as speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking. Doing this can drastically help with being fuel efficient. Instead, learn to smoothly and gradually accelerate to maintain a steady speed whenever safely possible. Use things like cruise control when you are on an open highway to help maintain a consistent speed. Braking and accelerating leads to increase fuel usage. Around 55 MPH is most efficient speed to maintain. According to FuelEconomy.gov gas mileage decrease at speeds over 50 MPH.
Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping your vehicle regularly maintained is fuel efficient and essential for optimal performance. Follow your manufacturer’s recommend service interval to prevent any premature failure or long term damage. Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires can increase rolling resistance and decrease being fuel efficient. In a study by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, they studied the effect of tire pressure at different speed. They found that the lower the tire pressure recommendation and the speed of the vehicle affected fuel economy. Check and replace air filters for better engine air flow. Dirty air filer can hinder engine performance leading to poor fuel. Spark plugs and coil plugs can also affect your fuel economy if not functioning properly. They can decrease engine performance causing the car to use more fuel to compensate for lack of performance. Fuel filter should be checked as well. Dirty and clogged fuel filter can decrease gas milage. Fuel additives can help clean the contaminants in the fuel filter but it’s best if you have it replaced.
Plan Trips Smarter
If you have to do multiple errands on different days, consider consolidating it to one day and get them done together. This reduces the amount of time you have to drive. Plan your routes strategically in a way you don’t have to drive back and forth. Utilize the GPS and Maps to find the most efficient route to avoid traffic congestion which can lead to excessive idling.
Carpool or Public Transit
If you live somewhere that have public transportation or opportunity for carpooling. If you chose this option it will reduce your reliance on using your personal vehicle and save on gas. Carpooling with friends or coworkers you will spend less by splitting the fuel cost or you can utilize your car to carpool and spend less for gas. Taking the public transit is also cheaper and helps reduce your carbon footprint. If you can utilize walking or biking it can benefit your health all the while saving you money.
Smarter Refueling
Consider the price when you go to the gas station. Don’t settle for the first gas station you come across unless it’s an emergency. Shop around and compare prices to get the best deal. Use your smartphone apps or website that track gas prices to find the cheapest near you. You can always join a loyalty program or a rewards card to get discount or points for cash back anytime you buy to save on gas. This will overall maximize your savings long term.
Alternatives
If you really want to reduce your fuel consumption further look into alternative fuel or vehicles that are more fuel efficient and lower operating cost. Electric vehicle and Hybrid offers lower energy consumption compared to gasoline powered vehicle. Some of them are even eligible for tax incentives and rebates. Alternatives fuels such as biodiesel or compress natural gas offers alternative benefits.
Conclusion
To save on gas for your car, it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By adopting these strategies you can be more fuel efficient and help the longevity of your car. So put these tips into practice today and start fueling your savings for a better financial future.