Five Tips for Saving Gas

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

25 Apr 2006 05:21 AM

With gas prices at an all time high, it's still not likely that Americans will simply park their cars. We are on the go most of the time, and while gas prices are affecting the quality of our lives, they rarely keep us at home.

Here are some tips that can help ease the pinch at the pump:

1. Find out where gas is cheapest in your area. Talk to friends and neighbors, look at gas prices even when you don't need gas, and check websites that offer to find the cheapest prices in your area. Also, don't wait until Friday or Saturday to buy gas. It's usually cheaper during the week. The same is true when a holiday is approaching, so don't wait until the day before.

2. Take full advantage of all available discounts. If your regular gas station offers a discount for using their gift card to purchase gas, get one today. You could save up to five cents per gallon with it. If your regular station doesn't have such an offer, find one close by that does. Wal-Mart stores offer a three cent per gallon discount if you purchase gas at one of their stations using a shopping card, and every little bit helps when prices are this high. This does not include credit cards, unless you intend to pay off the entire balance at month's end. Otherwise, you'll pay more in finance charges than you saved.

3. Buy lower grade fuel if possible. Check your owner's manual. You might be surprised to learn that your car doesn't require premium gas. What is even more surprising is the fact that many cars actually perform better with lower octane. You can usually save between ten and twenty cents per gallon by purchasing low octane fuel instead of premium or plus.

4. Conserve gas by changing your driving habits. Try to stay under 60 miles per hour. Driving just five miles over can increase your gas usage, and so can speeding up to pass another driver. Don't sit and let your car idle for more than one or two minutes either. Turn the engine off if you know you will have to wait. Choosing routes with fewer traffic lights and stop signs will also help, since stops and starts also burn more fuel.

5. Conserve gas by changing your car maintenance routine. Make sure you replace the fuel filter regularly. Check your tires often to make sure they are not under inflated. Low tires actually cause you to use more gas. Don't drive around with the gas gauge near empty. While we like to try to wait out high prices, it isn't good for your car or your mileage, when the tank is low. Also, start checking your gas cap to make sure it's on tight to avoid excess evaporation.

These tips are fairly simple and painless, but if you follow them, you will notice a difference in your gas expenditures almost immediately.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger