Common Sense Fuel Economy: How to Avoid Feeling Robbed at the Gas Pump

There are some simple strategies you can use to save on gas consumption and improve fuel efficiency so that you don't feel like you are being robbed every time you fuel up your vehicle. Less trips to the gas station will result if you follow these tips.

The obvious thing to do is to drive a car that is more economic and that gets better gas mileage. Not everyone can afford to buy a different car to cut fuel costs, but everyone can make sure they properly maintain their current vehicle so that it runs more efficiently.

The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a website that is the official government source for fuel economy information. You can find a lot of valuable information there, including tips for maintaining your vehicle so that it is in peak performance condition and will help you save on gas. Some tips they recommend are keeping your engine tuned properly for a savings of about $0.11 per gallon; keeping your tires properly inflated for up to an $0.08 savings per gallon; and using the recommended grade of motor oil to save between $0.03 to $0.05 per gallon. Even a $0.25 total savings per gallon will result in saving several dollars per fill up depending on the size tank your car has.

Better driving habits can also rack up the savings in the fuel department. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that aggressive driving habits waste gas. Things like speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gas mileage and is unsafe for you and other drivers. Lightening the weight you carry in your car can also increase fuel economy and is safer as well in the event of an accident, where flying objects can be quite dangerous.

Saving money on gas can be attained by using your vehicle less. Combine errands so that your trips are more economic. Instead of running to the store several times, wait until you have a list or several stops to make and then do them all at once. If you are going to work anyway or coming home from work, stop on the way instead of going back out once you arrive. Driving to work can be more fuel efficient by taking advantage of your city's transit system or Park and Ride or carpooling with a co-worker when convenient.

Technology today can help you save on the price you pay for gas too. For example, there is an app for Blackberry users called Poynt that will tell you where the lowest gas prices in your area are based on your GPS position. Not only can you save in your neighborhood, but on trips the app will locate you and find the cheapest gas where you currently are. Using a wholesale club can save you on gas too, but this app has found cheaper gas than my wholesale club on occasion.

So, to get the most for your fuel dollar; keep your car running well, drive sensibly, cut down on driving and keep an eye out for the best prices. And the next time you consider purchasing a new or used vehicle, opt for one with better fuel efficiency.

Resources
FuelEconomy.Gov