Nearly everyone drives or relies on someone who does. We organized gas-saving tips in four key areas:
Driving Habits
- Avoid aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can all waste gas. Aggressive driving can cause you to lower your gas mileage by up to 5 percent when driving in towns or cities and 33 percent on highways.
- While not speeding can keep you from getting a ticket, it can also save you at the pump. On average, a car loses optimal gas mileage at speeds over 60 mph. It is equivalent to spending an extra $0.30 per gallon for every additional 5 mph.
- To save on gas and engine wear, use your car's overdrive gear. This allows your car's engine speed to go down. Traveling in a low gear at fast rates can waste up to 45 percent more fuel than needed.
- Cruise control keeps your car at a constant speed. This can save you gas and keep you from speeding.
- If you're not moving but your car is running you are getting zero miles per gallon. Avoid idling for long periods of time and you'll get more out of your tank.
- Don't ride your brake. Keeping your foot on the brake not only wears out your brakes faster but can increase gas usage by up to 35 percent.
- Only use your car's air conditioner when absolutely necessary. Air conditioning uses gas. At highway speeds try using your car's flow-through ventilation. If it is still too warm be sure to close your windows and use the air conditioning as needed.
Car Maintenance
- Use the recommended fuel grade for your car. Most cars don't need higher octane gas.
- Get the regular maintenance on your car. A car that has failed an emissions test or is not in tune can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent if fixed. Serious maintenance problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent, which makes every penny count.
- In addition to protecting your engine, a clean air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10 percent. A filter is easy to install once you know where it is.
- Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires can lower your gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure in all of your tires. Correct inflation makes for longer lasting tires and an improvement of gas mileage on the average of 3.3 percent. Look inside the door jam on the driver's side for the correct inflation numbers.
- Use your car manufacturer's recommended motor oil grade. This can improve your car's gas mileage by 1-2 percent. There are also "Energy Conserving" versions available that include friction-reducing additives.
- If you own more than one vehicle, then drive the one with the best gas mileage as much as possible.
- Ensure you put your gas cap on after filling up. Broken or missing gas caps hurt the environment - and your wallet. Consider a gas cap that locks for added security.
- Keep your car windows closed when driving at highway speeds to reduce drag.
- Remove snow tires out of season. The deep tread wastes fuel.
Daily Habits
- Try to commute during "off" hours to avoid the gridlock of sitting in traffic.
- If your job allows, telecommuting can save you on gas.
- Take advantage of carpooling, RideShare programs and public transportation.
- Avoid using the drive-through. Waiting in line burns through gas. Instead, walk inside the restaurant, bank or store to run your errands.
- Plan your errands and run them at the same time if possible. Scheduling your route and taking a longer multipurpose trip out can use half as much fuel even if the overall distance covered is longer.
- While a roof rack can help you find that missing storage space you need when heading on vacation, it can reduce your fuel economy by up to 5 percent. Try to put as much in your trunk as you can (or in your garage) to reduce aerodynamic drag and boost fuel economy.
- Carry only what you need and you can increase your fuel economy. An additional 100 pounds in the trunk reduces your car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
- Try to find fun things to do at home instead of going out for entertainment. Try new recipes, have a potluck dinner, enjoy a game night with your family. Not only will you save money on gas, you'll save money on your entertainment expenses.
At the Pump
- Comparison-shop for gas prices. Visit sites like GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com to find the best prices in your area. AAA also provides a "Fuel Price Finder" that lets you check prices by zip code. Go to aaamidatlantic.com for more information.
- Try to avoid buying gas at highway exit ramps. If you have to buy gas on the highway try to purchase from gas stations located near state borders. These stations tend to be aggressive at getting your business and can use different state taxes to offer better deals.
