Rising gas prices put a dent in our wallets, and also raises the price of many everyday activities. If you have a long commute or are planning a road trip for a vacation, this can be especially hard. Here are some tips on how to save money on gas.
1.) Keep Tires Inflated.
Estimates are that about 25% of cars on the road have tires that are below the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires mean you get less fuel efficiency. If you want to save money on gas, keep a tire pressure gauge in your car, check your tires regularly, and add air when needed.
2.) Slow Down.
When you reduce your highway driving speed by 5 mph, it improves your gas mileage by about 7 percent. That means one of the simplest steps to save money on gas is to drive the speed limit. It may take a bit longer to get where you're going, but you'll save money and be safer, too.
3.) Lose Some Weight.
If your car is hauling around excess weight, you're losing about 1-2 percent in fuel efficiency for every 100 pounds. Do you really need the golf clubs and toolbox everywhere you go? Go through your trunk and back seat, and remove anything you can to decreas the pounds.
4.) Avoid Idling.
Another way to save money on gas is to avoid idling. If you are stopped for over a minute, you will save gas if you stop the engine and restart it, instead of idling. It also creates less pollution.
5.) Drive Smoothly.
If you rapidly accelerate when the light turns green, you lose fuel efficiency, and it increases wear on your tires, too. Continually slowing and speeding up on the highway can raise your gas bill by up to 30 percent, so try to smooth it out and keep a steady speed.
6.) Check The Air Filter.
Experts say that about 25% of cars on the road are ready for an air filter replacement. Using a clean filter can save you up to 10% on gas, so change your filter before a road trip.
7.) Avoid Unnecessary Braking.
Some people keep a foot on the brake pedal when they drive, and this can raise your fuel consumption by over 30 percent, as well as wearing out your brake pads. Drivers who tailgate burn more gas, because they need to brake and accelerate more than drivers who stay back further from the car in front.
8.) Drive In Good Weather.
When you drive in the rain, or on very windy days, it can negatively impact your fuel economy. If you have a choice, driving in good weather will save you on gas, and it is much safer, obviously.
9.) Check The Gas Cap.
One of the easiest steps to save money on gas is to check your gas cap. Up to 17 percent of cars have cracked or missing gas caps. If you do, then the gas fumes that escape could be costing you money and polluting the air.
10.) Easy Listening.
If you're wondering how to save money on gas and make your trip more relaxing, try putting on some relaxing music. Energetic music tends to make you speed up and accelerate harder, which both impact your gas mileage.