Tips to Save Gas

In this economy nowadays, it's vital to use every bit of gas you have to the maximum without wasting it. And these are a few tips on how you can do it. I'm going to start off with ways most people haven't thought of or even know.

When you go to fill your gas tank, try to top it off to the point where it reaches the gas cap. Also, don't wait until you are on empty or near empty. Keep your gas a least halfway filled. This way, your car has plenty of gas for any type of driving. The gas pump and sensors in most vehicles is fixed in the middle of your car's gas tank. What this translates to is this: If you have a full tank the gas pump and sensors just 'sip' at the fuel. Now if the tank is pretty low, it needs to work harder to get that fuel. This puts a strain on your fuel system, which results in overworking your whole car.

Since I'm on the subject of gas, I'll continue. Most folks get the cheapest grade of octane for their cars. You save money, and thats about it. A good way to save fuel is to use this ratio: For every 10 gallons of unleaded octane, pump in 2-3 gallons of the next highest grade. The higher octane fuel has more 'juice' so to speak. With this mix, your car has energy to spare.

Try to get rid of all unnecessary weight in your vehicle like: trash, toys, books, tools, clothes and junk. More weight means your vehicle works more. People usually have their trunks loaded with unneeded weight. Granted, you might have a work truck or you're a soccer mom. There are still things you don't need in your ride that can save you gas.

Buy low resistance tires. It can be costly, but worth it. The more contact you have with the road with least resistance, the more gas you will save. How so? By decreasing your center of gravity. (Center of gravity, in this case, is how far your vehicle weight is off the ground.) And there is also much more tread from the tire touching the road. So you travel faster, more efficiently. Leaving more fuel in your tank.

Wash your vehicle weekly. It's something small, that doesn't seem like it matters. It does though. By helping your vehicle cut through the air as it travels forward, you increase its resistance. I have seen cars with thick layers of dirt covering it, bugs stuck on the windshield, bugs on the front grill. Imagine how much slower that car will move!!

Another note on car grills: Keep them clean and free of debris. Don't forget other air vents as well. The more air you have flowing into the engine the cooler it will be, resulting in your car working less. (Saving gas)

Keep your windows rolled up above 40 mph. Traveling higher than that, and the air entering your car will slow you down resulting in...... you guessed it! Less resistance, making your car and fuel work harder to go the same speed. Also, why have the windows cracked if you have the ac on? And now for the tips that most people know.

Use the ac only if you really need it. This really sucks up A LOT of gas. Especially if you use it every time you drive somewhere. Try to put the fan setting on instead of the ac. This blows cool air, and not as much as the ac setting.
On most cars, there is also a cabin air-filter. This is usually located around the glove compartment. It is recommended to replace the filter every few years. The more air that is able flow more freely, the less of a strain that will be put on your ac system. As everyone knows, ac east up a lot of gas.

Ease up off the gas pedal. Gently push the pedal down, instead of mashing it down. Every time you do this, you send a signal to your car saying 'hey i need A LOT of fuel, quick'! Smooth, controlled driving is a big key to saving fuel. Additionally, coast to a stop by gently applying the brakes. For daily driving situations, there's no need for F-1 style driving.

Inspect your tires weekly. If the tread is low, there are large cracks, rips in the sidewalls, or a lot of nails, it is best to replace them. These things are hazardous and cause accidents. And waste gas. Imagine that your tires are the feet of your car. They need to tread with confidence in order to get you where you want to go and return back safely. It can't do that with nails, rips in the treads, and things of that nature. How does this relate to saving gas? Your car will roll down the road with uncertainty and not sure footed. If your vehicle does not have a secure grip on the road, your vehicle tries to compensate for it by exerting more energy. (Which is gas.)

Use fuel system cleaners every 6 months to clean out your fuel lines, spark plugs and fuel injectors. This ensures that car uses gas at it's most optimal performance level.

Lastly, change out filters: air, oil and fuel. Don't forget your PVC valve and your 02 sensor. These are usually located on the top of your engine and in the front of the engine.These little guys are valuable in saving fuel. Make sure to do an oil change as well!!

I'm sure that there are more tips out there to save money. This list is far from complete, as driving styles and cars vary.