Even as people are worried about the slowing economy, for many, the pandemic is presenting opportunities to save money wherever they can. Experts advise consumers to think about the money they are spending, such as gas prices and how to hold on to the savings. Filling up the gas tank can be a thoroughly miserable experience as you watch the counter flip past $40, then $50, and keep on going. But you can save money on gas based on where you fill up, how you pay, when you visit the gas station, how you drive and even the condition of your car.
1. Start Planning Ahead:
Consider Buying a Fuel-Efficient Car Consider getting a more fuel-efficient car like the Hyundai Elantra. Several models of affordable non-hybrids can get 40 miles per gallon.
Choose The Best Route Whenever possible, take the route with the fewest stop signs and traffic lights. The shortest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient way to go.
Download A Gas App Using smartphone apps can really help you save at the gas pump – sometimes more than $0.20 per gallon.
Fill Your Gas Tank Near State Lines When traveling, fill up near state lines if possible. Due to different tax rates, you may save a bundle just by crossing into another state. If you’re planning a road trip, do research ahead of time to see which states offer the best prices.
2. Proper Maintenance & Service:
Monitor Your Tires Under-inflation causes tires to wear out faster and wastes gas. Properly inflated tires reduce friction and offer better gas mileage.
Tune The Engine Car engines need to be regularly tuned. A properly tuned engine uses less gas, so if you can’t remember when you last had a tune-up, it may be time to schedule one.
Change Filters Check your filters regularly – especially if you live in a dusty area. Clean filters help to keep cars running more fuel efficiently.
Use The Correct Motor Oil Be sure to use the proper motor oil. If you’re not sure which type your car requires, check the owner’s manual or do a search online. Using the wrong motor oil can cause the engine to work harder and waste gas.
Turn Off The A/C As much as you may love air conditioning, it turns your car into a gas guzzler. Keep it turned off as much as possible. To keep your car cooler, park in the shade and roll the windows down a crack to circulate air.
3. Monitor Your Driving Habits:
Drive Less Between the cost of fuel and the slumping economy, there are a number of reasons why people are driving less today. It’s not so hard to do either. Combine your errands into one trip to avoid repeat drives into town.
Buy Gas Early Or Late In The Day Purchase gas early or late in the day, especially during warm months. Gas is cooler earlier in the day, and denser. As temperatures rise, gas density falls and you get less of it when you pump. Also, buy gas early in the week. Prices typically rise between Wednesday and Saturday but stay lower during the early days of the week.
Monitor When and How You Brake Braking excessively wastes gas and causes your brake pads to wear out quickly. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you when you are in heavy traffic – that way, you will not need to brake as often as if you were tailgating.
Turn Off The Engine If you are waiting outside for your spouse to finish getting ready for your night out, or you’re waiting at a railroad crossing for the train to cross, turn off the engine. Idling is a major waste of gasoline and contributes massive amounts of pollutants to the atmosphere.
Avoid Gas Stations Near The Highway The first gas station that you encounter after a long stretch of highway will usually be pricey. If possible, plan or drive a little farther toward the nearest town to find a cheaper station.
Don’t Wait Until Your Tank Is Almost Empty to Fill Up If you wait until your tank is almost empty, you may be stuck paying for whatever gas you find conveniently nearby, as you won’t be able to search for the best deal.
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