The average American uses 656 gallons of gasoline annually. Considering the standard fuel prices, this translates to yearly fuel costs of about $1,400!
For many individuals, this cost is inevitable. Cars are an asset in this modern age, enabling people to commute between home and office, travel long distances, and take care of their medical needs.
However, it is possible to be car-dependent and save money on fuel. Being mindful of fuel consumption can put more dollars in your wallet and minimize the impact of carbon emissions.
In this post, we’ll discuss easy gas saving tips you can implement to reduce your fuel spending.
Read on for insight!
1. Opt for a Gas Discount Card
Some gas stations or warehouses enable customers to sign up for a membership card. These cards, also called “savings cards,” can help you shave cents off of every gallon of gasoline you purchase.
One common example is Sam’s Club or Costco. These warehouses provide lower gasoline rates for members.
Other grocery stores and gas station chains may also offer discount cards. Consider signing up for one of these in order to reduce your overall fuel costs.
You may also wish to fill up at the station offering the cheapest rates on gas. There’s an app for that! Check out GasBuddy for more details.
2. Keep Tires Aligned and Inflated Appropriately
Your tires are key when it comes to saving gas. Tires that are properly inflated enable your vehicle to move more efficiently, limiting the amount of “work” an engine has to perform to move the car through space.
The same goes for properly aligned tires. If your tires are out of alignment, you could be using far more gas than necessary to compensate.
Always monitor your tire pressure, particularly during temperature fluctuations. Tires are more likely to deflate subtly during colder temperatures and inflate during hotter seasons.
Be careful of overinflating your tires. While many people feel that this helps them save gas, it can actually put their tires at risk.
Check your tires’ alignment whenever you go in to see your auto technician, such as when you take your vehicle in for an oil change or tire rotation.
3. Quit Idling
It’s easy to let your car idle, especially if you’re dropping by a grocery store to pick up an item or waiting for a friend. However, excessive idling can still eat away at your gas levels, costing you pennies and dollars.
Do your best to avoid excessive idling. If you’re waiting in a construction zone, turn your engine off. If you just need one thing at the store, turn your engine off!
Idling also still releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Limiting the amount your car idles can limit the number of greenhouse gases you are releasing into the air at any given time.
4. Practice Slow Acceleration
Aggressive driving, in general, is more taxing on your vehicle’s fuel tank. In fact, aggressive acceleration uses a lot more fuel than slow, mindful acceleration.
When you accelerate from a stop or standstill, take your time. Don’t worry about the vehicles behind you. Let your car ease into a higher speed.
Treating the gas pedal kindly (rather than slamming it with your foot every time the light switches to green) can also extend the lifespan of your transmission, which can be costly to repair and replace.
Slow acceleration and mindful driving can also reduce your risk of accidents, which can cost you thousands in medical and legal fees.
5. Carpool
Many people overlook this important gas saving tip. When possible, carpool to specific destinations. This may mean catching a ride to work with a friend, or consolidating partygoers into one vehicle.
Some companies and universities may even offer carpool services, if necessary. Others may even offer employee or student benefits for using these services as carpooling can reduce carbon emissions and make transport more efficient.
6. Use Public Transit
If you’re able to trade your driving routes for public transportation, do so. This could mean using buses and subways to commute to work or the grocery store.
Even if you are able to replace part of a usual driving route with public transportation, this can help you save many gallons of gas. Public transportation is also a form of carpooling in its own right.
In case you have to travel shorter distances, consider walking or riding your bike. Of course, this option may only be viable in some regions. Yet, some public transportation options enable riders to bring their bikes on board.
7. Coast at the Sweet Spot
Most cars will have the highest fuel economy at a specific highway speed, which often tends to be 55 miles per hour. Check out your vehicle’s manual to learn more about this “sweet spot” of steady driving.
Naturally, you may not always be able to hover at this speed when traveling by car. Most people are in a rush when it comes to commuting or taking care of errands.
However, if you can afford the time difference, try to drive at this optimum speed to boost fuel efficiency and save gas overall.
8. Be Efficient When Driving
To truly save gas, it’s essential to be as efficient as possible with every car trip you take. Always follow the most direct route between destinations, and try to combine many destinations in one trip.
For example, if you have many errands to perform, try to take care of these in one single trip. Additionally, ensure that these errands are close together. Save the scattered destinations for another time.
At the end of the day, if your vehicle isn’t giving you the gas efficiency you crave, it may be time to upgrade. Consider trading your vehicle in for a more efficient model.
Put These Gas Saving Tips to Work
Keeping these gas saving tips in mind for your next car ride can mean keeping more dollars in the bank in the long run. In general, be mindful of your need for every trip you take by car.
Opt for carpooling or public transportation when possible, and trade shorter drives for bike rides or walks. Accelerate slowly and drive your car at the speed where it’s most likely to save fuel.
Always keep your tires inflated and aligned to ensure that your car is working as minimally as possible.
At Motor Era, you can find all of the information you need to take your vehicle care into your own hands. Check out our posts on auto maintenance here!