10 Ways to Save Money on Gas
January 6th, 2009
Here are 10 great tips that can save you money on fuel:
- Lighten up. Leadfooting at 75 miles per hour instead of 65 will cut your fuel economy by 10%.
- Avoid the rush hour. Plan trips or stagger your work hours to minimize stop-and-go traffic, which burns more gas than going at a steady speed.
- Take a load off. Carrying an extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts fuel economy by 1%.
- Use your overdrive. If you have a manual transmission, shift up as soon as possible.
- Keep an eye on your tire pressure. For every 3 pounds below the recommended tire pressure, your fuel economy drops about 1%.
- Keep your car tuned up. A clogged air filter can cut mileage by as much as 20%; a faulty oxygen sensor can cut it by up to 40%.
- Use the most efficient grade of oil for your car. Using 10W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-30 can reduce your mileage by 1% to 2%.
- Use regular gasoline unless your owner’s manual says otherwise. High-octane fuel won’t improve performance in cars that don’t require it.
- Park in the shade. Fuel evaporates more quickly in direct sun, and air conditioners need more fuel to cool hot interiors.
- Choose efficiency. A car that gets 30 mpg saves $600 a year in gas costs over one that gets 20 mpg. (We’re assuming $3.00 per gallon and 15,000 miles driven.)
(Sources: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.