Summertime gas prices got you down? Even if you aren’t the proud owner of a hybrid or an electric car, there are still lots of ways you can protect your wallet from taking a hit on gas!
First, get better gas mileage by ditching that road rage! Driving less aggressively and observing speed limits are easy ways to start saving money. Your gas mileage improves by about 15 percent by driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph. Next, combine multiple errands into a single trip whenever possible; if your destinations are near each other, walk between ’em.
You can also get better gas mileage by shedding excess cargo weight—doing that can help your car be more nimble…and thereby more fuel-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, an extra 100 pounds in your car could lower your gas mileage up to 2 percent. Still toting a roof rack even though you’re not going camping or biking? Take it off! And there’s no time like the present to clean that trunk of any needless weight.
Another relatively simple way to improve your gas mileage is to regularly maintain your car as prescribed by the owner’s manual. It sounds obvious, I know, but regular vehicle maintenance often gets lost in the shuffle. Keeping your engine tuned, your tires properly inflated, and using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of oil will keep your car performing optimally. Don’t forget cleanliness: One person found washing his car before a trip improved gas mileage by 7 percent; investigators on the TV’s Mythbusters also found modest improvements from a clean vs. dirty car. Hey, a happy car means a happy wallet!
More tips:
- Walk, bike, carpool, use public transportation, and telecommute whenever possible.
- Turn off the engine instead of idling.
- Avoid fuel evaporation by parking in the shade and buying gas when it’s cool.
- Consider Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) when purchasing a new car, and buy only according to your needs.
Resources:
Tips to save gas and improve mileage from the EPA
66 ways to save money on gas from Treehugger
--Keith Caswell
Image source: Michelle Brea