How to Conserve Gas While Driving

These days, there is a common opinion about gas prices. They are unpredictable and WAY TOO HIGH. These high gas prices have changed the way cars are designed, forced car companies to fire workers, and made the cars with the highest gas mileage the best choice among car buyers. Some citizens are limited to taking public transportation or even walking or riding a bike to work. Although those are effective alternatives to driving, there are also easy ways to conserve gas that's already in your gas tank and take a little of the burden off of your wallet if you need to drive.

Limit use of Heat and Air Conditioning

In the winter, turning your heater on high will draw on your gas supply. By keeping it on low, it will only take the exuded heat from the engine to heat your car. To conserve gas in the winter, wear a thicker coat and only turn your heat on low.

In the summer, the same thing goes for the air conditioner. Some people say you should turn it completely off and roll down your windows, while some say the drag force that is exerted by the rolled down windows will use more gas than turning on the air conditioner. If you decide to go the air conditioner route, keep it on low to minimize the use of gas.

Drive and Accelerate Slower

Don't slam on the gas or brakes at any time. By hitting the gas softly and accelerating at a slower rate, you will waste less gas than slamming on the gas pedal. Try to keep your RPMs lower than 2000 on regular roads and you will maximize your gas conservation. If you are coming up on a stop sign or stop light, don't accelerate into it. Coast so you barely have to brake when you are near the stop sign. Speeding up beforehand will only waste gas. Anticipate the light to turn red and start slowing down a little bit by letting off the gas before each stop light.

Use Cruise Control

On the interstate, you will conserve the most gas by using cruise control. It will use the least amount of gas possible to drive at a constant speed. If you drive on the interstate to get to work everyday, this will especially be effective for you.

Get Your Oil Changed Regularly

If you have your car's oil changed on a regular basis, your car will run more smoothly and will use less gas. Certain brands of oil are designed to boost gas mileage and will help you conserve the most gas.