You can save money on gas by driving slower, avoiding peak times, and getting your car tuned up. But if you’d want to take that much time and effort, there are simpler ways to conserve fuel and save money at the pump. These methods are simple but have a big impact on how much gas you use. Combined, they can help you cut your gas usage in half — or even more than that — without changing how you drive. These strategies will also help the environment by reducing greenhouse gases from cars. Check out these easy tips for conserving fuel and saving money on gas:
Don’t idle
When there are no people in the car, it is best to turn off the car rather than let it idle. That way, the engine does not have to work as hard and you do not use any gas. If you are going to be idling for more than a minute, you should use the air conditioner to avoid having the engine overheat. If you are waiting for someone or something or waiting in line, it is best to turn off the car.
Slow down and go at the right speed
Speed has a big impact on how much gas your car uses. The faster you go, the more gas you use. For example, driving at 75 miles an hour uses about 30% more fuel than driving at 55 miles an hour. Another way to drive more fuel efficiently is to vary your speed. Try not to drive too fast, especially in heavy traffic. You may be able to get to your destination faster, but it will use more gas. If you’re traveling on the highway, you may want to go even slower to avoid becoming part of the dreaded “stop-and-go” traffic.
Rotate your tires and get a tune-up
Cars naturally use up more fuel as they get older, even if they are well maintained. One way to cut down on these added costs is to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles. Doing so can extend the life of your tires and improve your gas mileage. A tune-up can help your car run more efficiently by cleaning out the fuel injectors and spark plugs, which can affect the car’s gas mileage, too. It may be worth the money to have your car checked out by a mechanic if it has been running poorly. They can help you spot small problems before they cause bigger issues.
Use the correct grade of fuel
Car manufacturers usually recommend a certain grade of fuel for your car, but sometimes you may not know what kind to use. Using the correct fuel grade can boost your car’s performance and, in turn, your gas mileage. If you’re not sure what kind of fuel your car needs, you can usually check the owner’s manual or ask a mechanic. If you don’t use the recommended fuel grade, you may notice a difference in how your car runs, but it may not be for the better.
Drive smart: Don’t drag on the brakes or accelerate too fast
One way to improve your gas mileage is to lift your foot off the brake pedal after a stop. That allows your car to coast down to a stop, using less gas than if you use the brake. Another way to improve your driving is to accelerate gently. Don’t start off with a sudden burst of speed; increase your speed gradually so your engine doesn’t have to work as hard.
Together, these 4 strategies can save you more than 50% on gas
These strategies may seem simple, but they can have a big impact on how much gas your car uses. Combine them for even better results: You can slow down, avoid accelerating too fast, use the correct grade of fuel, and coast at stops to drive more fuel efficiently. If everyone used these strategies, it could reduce the country’s fuel consumption by more than 50%. And that would go a long way toward reducing greenhouse gases from cars, too.
