How Driving Smart Can Save You Fuel

Saving money on fuel prices is a growing concern for all of us with the high cost of fuel for both our homes and our vehicles. While we can't change the prices at the gas pump, we can adjust or change our driving habits to get the most mileage out of our dollar.

Planning all your trips in advance can avoid unnecessary stops or backtracking, which can waste gas and time. Plan every place you need to stop before leaving your home so you can make the trip as efficiently as possible. Often taking back roads will save fuel because you're not going to be getting stuck in traffic jams or traffic lights. If you have a GPS (global positioning system), consider using it as it works great towards saving money on fuel prices because it will tell you the shortest and most efficient route.

Remember that stops and hills will affect your gas mileage so if you don't have to, don't. If you're forced to drive in areas with traffic lights, drive accordingly. If you slow down somewhat, you'll be able to avoid stopping altogether. The little amount you'll have to speed up later won't use near the gas that coming to a complete stop and restarting will use. While you're driving, try to maintain as consistent of a speed as possible.

If possible, use your cruise control even if you're going up or down a hill. Accelerating quickly and hard braking is very hard on gas mileage. If at all possible, avoid idling. Idling will give you 0 miles per gallon so don't do it. If you're stopping at a restaurant, you will be saving money on fuel prices by turning your car off and going into the restaurant as opposed to idling in the drive through.

You can also avoid idling by watching the stop lights ahead of you so you'll be able to drive through them instead of stopping and starting. You'll waste more gas by speeding up just to have to stop when you get there.

When you're forced to stop, accelerate slowly when you take off. As miserable as the hot weather can be when you're driving, avoid using the air conditioning except when you're on the highway. If you're driving at low speeds, keep your window open.

Although many believe this will increase drag and lower your fuel economy, using your AC at low speeds uses more fuel.

Park in the shade if at all possible. Believe it or not, gas will actually evaporate out of the tank at a much faster rate when you're parked directly in the sun, regardless of the season. In addition, parking in the shade will keep your car cooler so you won't need the air conditioning so quickly, another great tip for saving money on fuel prices.