Gas prices affect many of us as the majority of people live in areas where they drive to work, school, and/or recreation. In a time when gas prices are rising, you can take steps to increase your car’s fuel mileage and save money at the pump. Waters Car Wash has a few recommendations.
Use regular gas if your car can handle it
The most obvious way to save money at the pump is to not buy premium gas. However, some people are in the habit of doing so, thinking it will make their car run more efficiently. Consult the owner’s manual for your car or look up your make and model on the Internet. Some cars are meant to run best on regular gas, so that’s what you’ll want to buy.
Take advantage of store promotions and fuel perks
Many grocery and other stores have long-run promotions that give you “fuel points” or some sort of gas discount for each set amount of money that you spend at their store. Optimizing these tools takes some effort; you will have to commit to buying gas at participating gas stations, and you will need to keep track of your points as they often expire on a rolling basis. Also, make sure to watch for information at your stores of choice. Sometimes they will run sales or specials where they will give you double or some other higher amount of fuel points for your purchases.
Make sure your car is functioning at its best
Any number of mechanical problems — like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor — can have a big effect on how much gas you use. Make sure your tires are properly inflated (check your owner’s manual or ask at your service station for help learning how to check tire pressure), and periodically have a mechanic check over items like your spark plugs and catalytic converter.
Keep a constant speed (and a lower one at that)
Constantly accelerating and braking can not only be hard on your car’s parts, it can also consume more gas. When you are trying to get better gas mileage out of your car, consider using your cruise control or learning how to drive at a more constant pace. Because of air resistance and the friction of your car’s tires on the roads, driving faster can also use more gas. Consult your car’s owner manual to see if there is information about the optimal speed at which your car wants to be driven. Especially when driving at speeds of over 50 miles per hour, you may want to consider driving five to ten miles per hour slower than usual to get the most out of each tank of gas.
Try to drive during less busy times
Driving during rush hour can increase the number of stops and starts you make, and frequent stops and starts require the most gas. Although your work commute time might be non-negotiable, try to plan your other driving around times when fewer other cars are sharing the road with you.
Drive less
The most effective tip on the list is also the simplest. Make a real effort to find ways to drive less. Plan your shopping so that you can stretch that weekly trip to the grocery store to once every two weeks; work out plans with neighbors and friends to carpool; and combine recreational outings with quick errands in order to reduce the number of driving trips you take every week. Nobody knows when the pressure of high gas prices will ease up. While you wait for lower prices at the pump, Waters Car Wash recommends any of the above tips to try and make each gallon of gas you put in your car get you further.