10 Ways to Save on Gas

With today's gas prices as high as they are we need to do the littlest and simplest things to save money on gas. We are always hearing about a strike where every driver in America should not drive for at least one day but we know that is not going to happen. Here are ten simple ways to save money on gas.

Check the Air Pressure in Your Tires

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. By keeping them at the recommended level by your vehicle manufacturer you will save money on gas. The reason for this is because if just one of your tires are inflated by two PSI, you will use an extra one percent of gas. The Auto Club recommends vehicle owners do this whenever tires are cool, to check for uneven or excessive tread wear and proper inflation.

Lose the Junk in Your Trunk

Extra weight equals extra gas. Remove whatever it is you don't need because by carrying extra weight your car works harder to move and therefore using extra gas. Make sure when you go on trips to pack lightly.

Service your Vehicle Regularly

This is something that should be done every so often anyway. Change your spark plugs and wires, dirty oil filters, and your transmission fluids and other proper maintenance. Doing so regularly will avoid poor fuel economy.

Drive Smart

Accelerate gently and brake gently. By doing so you can increase fuel economy by twenty percent.

Keep Your Windows Up

If you are driving with your windows down a lot, especially on the highway, it can increase drag and result in using an avoidable ten percent more in gas.

Avoid High Speeds

Of course by driving at high speeds we all know that is going to use more gas. So slow down and save gas!

Use Your Air Conditioning Sparingly

When using you're A/C, it puts extra load on the engine and therefore increasing the use of fuel by twenty percent. Of course this contradicts keeping your windows up because when it is hot you are going to either use the A/C or have your windows down. It would be best to avoid both to save on gas but that is not possible. So only use the A/C if you have to and roll the windows down every once in a while.

Use Cruise Control

If you have cruise control, use it. Maintaining a constant speed when driving long distances often saves gas.

Avoid Long Idles

If you anticipate sitting in one place a while, example; road construction, shut your car off. Restarting your car uses less fuel than leaving it sit idle for that amount of time.

Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle

When you go to buy your next car, examine the vehicle's rated fuel efficiency. Try buying a smaller vehicle with a manual transmission because they are easier on gas.