Use Some Sense to Save Some Cents: How to Save Money on Gas

Want to save money on gas?  Everyone does.  We saw gas prices fall last September, although it appears they’ve gone back up by 10 cents in some parts of the US.  While we can’t control the prices of gas, we can – to some extent – control our fuel efficiency.  By practicing safer driving methods and following car maintenance guidelines, you can get a better mileage per gallon.

Use some sense to save some cents, and follow these tips to help increase fuel efficiency:

Don’t Idle

If your car is running, it’s still using gas – even if it’s standing still.  If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, it may be wiser to turn off your car.  Many newer Honda vehicles will be fitted with stop-start technology that will do this for you automatically.  For now, if you’re picking up your kids from school or waiting with them at the bus stop, save some gas and turn off the car.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires create more friction, slowing your car down.  Properly inflated tires reduce friction, and ultimately help you get a better gas mileage.  Check the inside of your door to see what tire pressure your wheels should have, and then use a pressure gauge to measure your tires.  Do this once a month.  If your tires are under the recommended amount, fill them up.

Check Your Maintenance Guidelines

Get out your owner’s manual and follow the recommended schedule for maintenance.  Your car was built to work a certain way, and the guidelines will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and properly.  If you haven’t followed the guidelines, you might run into more problems than just poor fuel efficiency.

Compare Gas Prices

While driving, keep an eye on gas prices and locate the cheapest one.  If you’re on a long journey, and have a choice between the gas station right off the exit, or one that’s .8 miles away, it’s often wise to go for the further gas station.  Stations right off the exit know they can charge slightly higher prices.  At the same time, don’t go crazy going too far looking for gas.  Using all that extra gas searching the whole town will cost you, and you won’t end up ahead, even if you do find the cheapest gas station.

The Most Important Tip: Drive Safely

Tailgating is not only dangerous, but it consumes more fuel.  Every time the car accelerates, it uses more gas.  When you accelerate suddenly, then slam on the breaks, you end up wasting that gas you just used to accelerate.  If you keep a safe following distance, then when traffic ahead slows down or stops, you can ease off the gas and brake gently.  When traffic starts back up again, stay with the flow of traffic.  The engine needs more gas to accelerate than to maintain speed, so once you reach a constant speed, you won’t need to use as much fuel to keep moving forward.  Using cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed.

With gas prices as high as they are, people want to do everything they can to save.  Keep these tips in mind while driving, and you’ll be sure to save some of your hard earned cash.