With the ever-soaring prices of gas these days, and our ever shrinking wallets, we’re all looking for ways to save money on gas so that we can conserve our own resources, as well as those of the planet. Short of running out to trade in our huge SUVs to purchase new fuel-efficient hybrids, there are some easy and painless ways to make trips to the gas station a bit less frequent and to save money in the process.
Get rid of excess weight in the car. The more weight the engine has to carry, the more fuel it needs to do its job. Don’t carry around extras in your car. The lighter the better.
Check tire pressure. Improperly inflated car tires decrease your fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Turn your car off when waiting. One minute of idling uses roughly the same amount of gas as it takes to start your car, so if you are going to be waiting more than that, turn the car off.
Get regular tune ups and change air filters often. A car that is working in tip-top condition is more efficient and burns less excess gas.
When driving on the highway, keep windows closed. The drag created when the windows are open at highway speed can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 10%.
Carpool when possible. Whether you can find a colleague to commute to work with or a kid on your child’s soccer team that lives nearby, any time you can carpool, you will not only save money, but help the planet as well.
Shop around for the lowest gas prices in your area. Check sites like www.gasbuddy.com or www.gaspricewatch.com.
These gas saving tips don't involve a lot of effort. All it takes is a few minor changes in your routine and you'll be keeping more money in your wallet, rather than pouring it into your gas tank!
Andrea Spenser is a regular contributor to <a title="ShortcutSleuth.com" href="http://www.shortcutsleuth.com" target="_self">www.shortcutsleuth.com</a>, where she writes about ways to save money on gas, as well as many other <a title="Money-Saving Tips" href="http://shortcutsleuth.com" target="_self">money-saving tips</a>. She also shares tips about how to save time, how to save energy and just generally how to save your sanity!
