It seems that every time we turn around, fuel prices have inched up once again. The “summer blend” of fuel comes out and we all hit the road on vacation, that means prices will just continue to climb higher and higher. While we know that we can’t find coupons to print or clip from the Sunday newspaper to save on fuel costs, there are some things we can do to try to take a little of the sting out of these higher prices. Here are five simple tips o help you do just that!
TIGHTEN THE CAP:
One of the simplest things you can do to improve your gas mileage is to make sure that your gas cap is on tight. A loose or damaged gas cap can cause up to a 30% loss in fuel economy.
SLOW DOWN:
It’s no secret that driving fast wastes fuel. The faster you go, the more fuel you’ll use. So, if you want to improve your gas mileage, slow down!
USE CRUISE CONTROL:
When you’re driving on the highway, one of the best ways to maintain a consistent speed is to use your cruise control. This will help you avoid wasting fuel by accelerating and then braking.
CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR:
An extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce your fuel economy by up to two percent, so if you’re carrying around a lot of unnecessary weight, it’s time to clear it out. Also, be sure to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower your gas mileage by up to three percent.
DRIVE SMART:
You can also save fuel by driving more smoothly. Sudden starts and stops waste fuel, so try to anticipate traffic lights and stop signs and coast to a stop whenever possible. And, of course, avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, it’s usually more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine.
FILL UP AT THE RIGHT TIME OF THE DAY:
If possible, try to fill up your tank in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Gasoline is denser when it’s cold, so you’ll be able to get more bang for your buck. Also, avoid topping off your tank. Filling up too much can cause gasoline to evaporate and be wasted.
CHECK THE TIRES:
It’s important to keep your tires in good condition and properly inflated. This can improve your gas mileage by up to four percent.
DON’T RUN ON “E”:
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It may be tempting to wait until you’re almost out of gas before you fill up, but this is actually a bad idea. Running on low fuel can damage your fuel pump and waste fuel in the long run.
DON’T FILL UP BY THE HIGHWAY:
If you can, avoid filling up at gas stations right off the highway. These stations typically charge more per gallon than others.
JOIN A REWARDS PROGRAM:
Most gas stations nowadays have some sort of rewards program that you can join. By signing up, you’ll usually get a discount of two to three cents per gallon. Some programs even offer additional discounts or rewards points that can be used for other purchases.
FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS:
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car. This includes things like using the right grade of motor oil and getting regular tune-ups. Doing so can improve your gas mileage by up to four percent.
These are just a few simple tips that can help you save on fuel costs. By following these tips, you can take a little of the sting out of higher prices at the pump.
