Stop Stressing at the Gas Pump and Start Saving!

Almost everybody is trying to save money on gas these days. With gas prices rising faster than both employment rates and household incomes it is a hot topic for everybody. Focusing on saving money for gas is always a good idea, but how many of us focus on how to also save gas in general? Let’s throw around a few averages that many people don’t consider before we get to the saving tips. The average American gets 22.4 miles to the gallon in their vehicle. The average cost of gasoline as I am writing this article is $3.80 a gallon with the average person driving 1,000 miles per month. After doing the math that puts the average monthly cost for gas at $169.60 with an annual cost of $2,035.00! Now consider this; 66% of U.S. households have two or more cars with two drivers. That takes the cost of fuel to upwards of $4,000.00 a year for many households that don’t have the income to balance out a figure like that. The problem is compounded because of the added costs that come with high fuel prices like some of the rises that we are seeing at the grocery store. So what can we do? Lots!
Saving Gas
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine
2. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop.
3. Buy fuel during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Gas pumps measure volumes of gas, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to volume of measurement.
4. Different brands of fuel can provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Research and use the brands which are most beneficial.
5. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage. So leave the house a few minutes earlier and slow down. Not only will you save gas, but you will be less stressed, and safer!
6. Keep the windows closed when on the highway. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
7. Automatic transmissions should cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, like railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
8. Regular checks, tune ups, and oil changes will keep your car running efficiently saving you gas.
9. Be sure you don’t have any excess wait in the car that doesn’t need to be there like in the trunk or back of a truck or van.
10. Keep tires inflated to the maximum level.
Saving Money
1. Many places that we shop everyday have some kind of fuel points reward system. Look into the ones in your area and take advantage. A lot of these perk programs allow customers to build up to .30, .40, and .50 off per gallon.
2. Many of us have daily access to the internet, research your local gas prices daily and go where it is cheapest along your normal route. Avoid going out of your way to the point where it is no longer worth it.
3. Like I mentioned earlier, gas is a hot topic and for the go getters, seek out contests to enter in which gas cards are offered as prizes!
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