Don’t be a Gas Guzzler
Saving money on gas can be easier than you imagine. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the average American spends a total of 29 miles and 55 minutes in their cars each day – yet earns a fuel efficiency return rate at a measly 24.4 mpg, which is the lowest since 1986. Furthermore, 65% of households now own two or more vehicles – though recent events like War & Hurricane Katrina have undoubtedly impacted these statistics too.
With gas prices skyrocketing, it pays to be a savvy driver. Aggressive driving like speeding up and braking hard can slash your mileage by an incredible 33% on the highway – that’s 7-49 cents per gallon you’re unnecessarily wasting. Driving sensibly is one of the smart ways to conserve fuel during this time – so don’t forget about those great gains at the pump just for taking it easy next time you hit the roads.
When you’re out on the roads, be sure to stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage dips drastically when speeds climb above 60 mph – every 5 miles over that costs an extra 10 cents per gallon! Taking advantage of cruise control is a great way to keep your car at a consistent pace and help save some gas money. And if you ever come across situations where you stop for more than one minute (like trains or tickets), it’s actually smarter from both safety and cost standpoints to turn off the engine instead of letting it idle – contrary to what many people think.
With summer just around the corner, saving on gas is an ever-present priority. Try planning and consolidating all trips to reduce drive time – plus less mileage means more cash in your pocket. While you’re at it, take a second to clean that trunk too; heavier loads can burn through gasoline! Finally, try using A/C sparingly – doing so could save up to 20% of fuel usage compared with running the air conditioner full blast — keep those extra dollars for other fun stuff this season.
Tune Up to Save Gas Money
Taking care of your car isn’t just important for ensuring it runs well – it can also directly affect how much you spend on gas. Even simple tune-ups or emissions tests can increase efficiency by about 4%. Countless drivers have experienced the high cost associated with ignoring a ‘check engine’ light, so make sure to address any issues right away and save money in the long run.
Keep your car running at peak efficiency and get the most out of each gallon with a few quick, easy tips. Replace that clogged air filter – it can drastically improve gas mileage by 10%. That’s like getting an extra 15 cents per gallon when you fill up. Improper tire pressure? Fixing this simple issue could net another 3%. All in all, these small tweaks are sure to keep some more cash in your pocket for every road trip.
Regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure can save you up to 5 cents per gallon of gas – a very worthwhile investment! It’s important that the oil be suitable for your vehicle, too. For example, an average sedan needs 10W30 motor oil or else it will waste energy trying to power itself with something not compatible. Keep your car in check-it’ll thank you when there are savings at the pump.
Finally, staying on top of your car’s maintenance can help you save a ton in the long run. Regular tune-ups are key to keeping prices low and helping your vehicle operate optimally. Plus, if you don’t get them done regularly as recommended by professionals, any gas money problems that arise won’t be so easy to shake off – they’ll just turn into even bigger engine trouble down the line and additional expenses too hefty for one month’s worth of fuel costs.
