Serran
07-18-2008, 01:57 AM
I got a nifty little handout and work, and I thought I'd share.
10 Smart Ways to Save Money at the pump
1. Slow Down
No matter what kind of car or truck you drive, gas mileage drops dramatically over 60 mph. As a general rule, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon of gas
2. Be Gentle
Avoid jack-rabbit starts and sudden stops, which can lower your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by 5% around town, according to the energy dept.
3. Lighten your load
Try not to keep unnecessary items in your car, especially heavy ones. Each 100 pounds of extra weight can reduce fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%.
4. Scout out cheap gas
Gasbuddy.com recommends avoiding gas stations in affluent areas and near major freeway exits. In major metropolitan areas, outlying suburbs rent to have the lowest gas prices according to the website. If you're not in a hurry when you're traveling gasbuddy.com suggests driving a few blocks for the freeway exit to find cheaper gas prices. But look out for service stations with on-site auto repair shops. Gasbuddy.com reports they often charge more for gas.
5. Skip traditional gas stations
Check out wholesale clubs, grocery stores, or department stores with gas stations on site. Gasbuddy.com says these businesses often sell gas at discounted prices to entice people into their stores and may offer credit for in-store purchases when you fill up with gas.
6. Keep your car in shape
Worn spark plugs, low transmission fluid, and dragging brakes can suck your gas tank dry. Check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules and get regular engine tune-ups. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it's done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage as much as 40%.
7. Avoid idling
A gas powered car at idle gets zero miles per gallon. If you're not in traffic, but expect to wait longer than one minute, consider turning off your vehicle. Idling burns more gas that restarting the engine. Also, look into hybrid cars which can run on battery power when idling.
8. Don't neglect your tires
Keep your tires properly inflated and make sure you have them aligned periodically. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Plus, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
9.Purify the air
Replacing dirty air filters can increase gas mileage by up to 10% while also keeping impurities from damaging your car's engine.
10. Choose the right oil
All oils are not created equal -- and that's especially true when it comes to engine oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil cited in your owner manual can improve your fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%.
10 Smart Ways to Save Money at the pump
1. Slow Down
No matter what kind of car or truck you drive, gas mileage drops dramatically over 60 mph. As a general rule, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon of gas
2. Be Gentle
Avoid jack-rabbit starts and sudden stops, which can lower your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by 5% around town, according to the energy dept.
3. Lighten your load
Try not to keep unnecessary items in your car, especially heavy ones. Each 100 pounds of extra weight can reduce fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%.
4. Scout out cheap gas
Gasbuddy.com recommends avoiding gas stations in affluent areas and near major freeway exits. In major metropolitan areas, outlying suburbs rent to have the lowest gas prices according to the website. If you're not in a hurry when you're traveling gasbuddy.com suggests driving a few blocks for the freeway exit to find cheaper gas prices. But look out for service stations with on-site auto repair shops. Gasbuddy.com reports they often charge more for gas.
5. Skip traditional gas stations
Check out wholesale clubs, grocery stores, or department stores with gas stations on site. Gasbuddy.com says these businesses often sell gas at discounted prices to entice people into their stores and may offer credit for in-store purchases when you fill up with gas.
6. Keep your car in shape
Worn spark plugs, low transmission fluid, and dragging brakes can suck your gas tank dry. Check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules and get regular engine tune-ups. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it's done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage as much as 40%.
7. Avoid idling
A gas powered car at idle gets zero miles per gallon. If you're not in traffic, but expect to wait longer than one minute, consider turning off your vehicle. Idling burns more gas that restarting the engine. Also, look into hybrid cars which can run on battery power when idling.
8. Don't neglect your tires
Keep your tires properly inflated and make sure you have them aligned periodically. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Plus, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
9.Purify the air
Replacing dirty air filters can increase gas mileage by up to 10% while also keeping impurities from damaging your car's engine.
10. Choose the right oil
All oils are not created equal -- and that's especially true when it comes to engine oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil cited in your owner manual can improve your fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%.