Besides driving less, what can you do to save money on gas? Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your next fill up.
Clean Out Your Car
The heavier a vehicle is the worse fuel efficiency it gets. But even if you’re driving a smart car, keeping it loaded up with unnecessary clutter can add unnecessary extra dollars at the gas pump.
Be sure to regularly clean out your trunk, and only add extra weight to your car temporarily. If you have bags of clothing to donate to Goodwill, put them in your car the same day you plan to go to the drop off. In other words, don’t let your car become a permanent storage space.
If you don’t travel much, you might also want to consider only filling your gas tank up half way. According to AutoBlog contributor Sebastien Blanco, you can eliminate an extra 30 pounds of weight.
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Keep Your Cool Behind the Wheel
Want to burn through your car’s fuel as fast as you can? Drive like a jerk.
Speeding, going from 0-60 too fast, and hitting the brakes hard can all negatively affect your gas mileage. Experts recommend sticking to 50 miles per hour tops, which seems a little low for most highway speed limits. Start by going the speed limit posted — not 20 miles over it — and you’ll see your gas bill decline.
Download the GreenMeter app for iPhone and start tracking your driving patterns with their intuitive software that, according to the app listing “evaluates your driving to increase efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and cost, and lower your environmental impact.” Basically, it will make you more aware of negative driving patterns and help you change them.
You Might Have to Drive a Little Further to Save a Lot
How many times have you filled up your tank only to see a cheaper price down the road? If you don’t have it on your phone by now, get the Gas Buddy app. No matter where you are, the app will find the best gas prices at the stations around you.
Once you find your gas station, make sure you’re filling up early in the morning or later in the day. Mid-day normally has the warmest temps, which makes gas less dense, thus filling your tank up with less.
Don’t Fall For Rumors
It’s an oft-believed myth that using expensive premium gas will somehow clean out your engine. Many people who own cars that don’t specify premium gas still use it once in a while thinking that it will increase performance. According to the California Energy Commission, you’re just wasting your money.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3% in some estimates. Check your driver-side door jamb for the proper levels of inflation for your vehicle, and check the tire pressure every few weeks to keep levels consistent.
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