ALT-5 Ways to Save Money on Gas
A penny pinched is a penny saved, and if you can save about 450 pennies or so, you can have a gallon of gas (maybe)! In such expensive times, every little bit does count. Follow these tips and start saving money on gas.
3 Small Tips = Big Savings
Tip #1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under inflated tires can increase the drag on your vehicle. This can increase your gas mileage by as much as 3.3%.
Tip #2. Avoid aggressive driving. If you are prone to road rage, you may find that your gas gauge will sink faster than others. Those who speed up and slow down abruptly, while making lane changes, are more likely to waste gas. Keep your speed steady and you can lower your gas consumption by as much as 33% on highways! Patience is a virtue.
Tip #3. Keep your vehicle maintained. Change your oil at least every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. Check your sensors. Check your air filter every time you change your oil. Replace air and fuel filters as needed. Read your owner's manual for the best advice. Make sure your vehicle is in top notch condition and you can rest assured you are taking strong strides to saving money on gas.
Every little bit counts, so you can also:
- Keep your windows rolled up at high speeds and avoid large loads when driving at fast speeds.
- Check gas prices ahead of time and compare for the best price. Sometimes you will get lucky and find a price that is much lower. Be warned though. The lines will be long.
- Check out certain modifications that could improve gas mileage. Some say modifications are a waste of money. If you like messing with your vehicle, give it a go. Otherwise, it may not be very cost effective.
- Make sure your gas tank stays above half full so that your vehicle receives a steady supply of fuel.
- Take a bike, a bus, or carpool. This is a lot easier to do in some areas, and a lot harder in others. Carpooling might be the best option for those who commute to work every day.
- Go outside in the full moon, walk forward three steps, back three steps, and stand on your head (hey- you never know).
You can't change the gas prices, but you can change how you respond to them. Take steps to control the destiny of your spare change. At the very least, you can gain a sense of control over the situation, and maybe a few extra cents (that can go towards the extra cost for milk). Doing something is always better than just complaining about it.