Every time I see gas prices rise I get sick to my stomach. I can’t believe how much gas prices are. I feel old when I say that I remember them being $0.75 a gallon for awhile way back in high school. Now prices are a sickening $3.45 a gallon where I live. Unfortunately, most of us need a car to get around so we just can’t avoid the prices at the pump no matter how hard that we try. So, what can we do to cut costs at the pump so that the current gas prices don’t put us in the poor house? Here are some tips to try to add a little more wiggle room in your budget.
1. Drive 60 mph or less - After you reach 60 mph the fuel economy on your car begins to drastically drop and you end up paying much more for gas!
2. Make Sure Your Tires Are Aligned – Did you know that if your tires are nonaligned then you are not only burning extra gas, but creating extra wear on your tires. This will cause you to purchase tires much sooner than if you had your tires aligned.
3. Get a Tune Up – Make sure your engine is operating efficiently and checked by a professional on a regular basis.
4. Make Sure Your Tires Are Pumped Up – If you do not have enough air in your tires it is possible that your fuel economy is decreasing by about 3%.
5. Make Sure Your Gas Cap is On Tight – Missing caps or cap are not locked on tight can instantly decrease fuel economy by letting fumes escape. Not only that, but escaping fumes causes toxins to escape into the air and cause pollution.
6. Use the Breaks As Little As You Can – The more you use the brakes the more it decreases your fuel economy. Starting and stopping will continue to kill your fuel. Lay off the breaks and practice coasting when you can instead. Plus, if you ride the brakes too much you’ll wear down your brake pads and cost yourself tons in repairs.
7. Pay Attention to the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil by the Manufacturer – Often times using the motor oil that your manufacturer recommends will save money on your fuel economy. Your car will work more efficiently and burn less gas.
8. Lighten Your Load – The more weight that you carry in your car the more fuel you will burn. See if there are less things that you can travel with and save money that way.
9. Don’t Allow Your Car to Idle – Idling doesn’t ever save money on gas. If you have nothing to do, but sit make sure that you turn off your car.
10. Go Green – Carpool if you can or if you are close enough ride a bike or walk. Eliminate extra trips back and forth and group all of your errands together. Figure out ways that you can be in the car much less. Of course, the less you use your car the less gas you will use.
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