How to Save on Gas

With gas prices going up, saving money has become a primary concern. We need our transport vehicles for many reasons, whether going to work, picking kids up from school or just planning a long vacation drive, we know that without gas our vehicle will remain in our home garage or driveway. To help the monetary budget and to keep the gas tank reasonably filled, I decided to share some of my own gas-saving experiences.

First: Regular Car Maintenance

Yes, it may be an extra expenditure to tune up the car with regular maintenance, but let's face it, it's not only a necessity for many other areas of your vehicle to safely function, but getting the oil changed as needed, checking for cracked pipes (especially gas-line ! ) and changing your air filter, will all contribute in showing a noticeable difference in your gas mileage consumption. In the long run, you're saving on money and gas.

Tips & Tricks

- Make certain that your tires are correctly inflated with the proper gauge pressure. Deflated tires force the engine to have to work extra harder to keep the car rolling. This can be a real gas-guzzler.

- Maintain the same type of gas in your vehicle. If you're use to using regular gas, then stick to it. However, there is an exception to this rule: If you travel your car frequently, once in a month's time fill your gas tank up with high-octane fuel. The higher the gas octane, the more detergent in it. This will clean out your engine's intake valves of gunk that hinders gas to flow through easier. Clean engine valves and lines equates to less gas being wasted.

- If you don't use your car that often, especially during winter months, you can use a product called "Stabil". Simply add the required amount to the quantity of gas you have in your vehicle. This will ensure that the ingredients in your gas are kept 'activated'. You won't lose your gas when needed!

- You have to deliver an item at a business or friend's house? And you know it will only take a few minutes? Leave the car running with locked doors. Believe it or not, for the $.10 cents worth of gas you'll allow your vehicle to consume, it will take $.25 cents or more to get it started again!

- If you're in the city, timing is everything. Whether leaving earlier from home to get to work - or vice versa - avoiding rush-hour traffic, or knowing when the green-light will come on, will improve your savings on gas. The key understanding is to keep the vehicle 'flowing' without interruption.

- So you live in a mountainous area with abundant slopes and hills? Don't force your car up the hill with unnecessary exertion. Take it easy when climbing.

On the other hand, when coming down a hill, 'coast' your vehicle. Don't accelerate. Take your foot off the gas pedal, or simply put your car in neutral and allow your vehicle the freedom to 'relax'.

- If by chance you happen to get stuck on a red light while on a hill, and your vehicle's weight will perhaps gravitate your backside down, don't keep your foot on the gas pedal to keep your car from slipping backwards. Use your brakes. It's just common sense to do so.

With the cost of living going up, saving gas has become a necessity. Knowing how to do so will not only help the industry and prevent unnecessary fuel emissions, but will help you gain better gas mileage and money.

Above all, have patience when driving. That alone, will keep you from visiting your local gas station more often. Happy safe driving!