1. Keep your windows closed to reduce wind resistance and save up to 4 miles per gallon.
2. Price-shop the pumps.
3. Don't overpay for premium. Less than 10% of the cars on the road today need premium grade gasoline. Buy the lowest grade of gasoline unless you hear your engine knock or ping.
4. Pump it yourself. If you are not already using the self-serve pumps, you should be. An average 24 cents a gallon can be saved.
4. At gas stations that charge different prices for cash and credit-card purchases, you'll typically save 2 to 8 cents a gallon by paying with paper rather than plastic.
5. Check your tires because under inflated tires cut fuel economy by as much as 2% for each missing pound of pressure.
6. Keep your engine in tune. An out-of-tune car uses 3% to 8% more gasoline.
7. Slow down. Driving at 65 miles an hour rather than 55 siphons 15% off your fuel economy.
8. Try to anticipate traffic lights and maintain steady speeds for the best fuel.
9. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed.
10. Do not drive mad. This causes most people to use the accelerator much too often and to hard.
11. Go easy on the idling because letting your engine idle wastes between half a gallon and a gallon of gasoline an hour. You will save gas by shutting off your engine and then restarting it if the wait is greater then one minute.
12. Aerodynamics are very important. Bike carriers, ski racks, and car-top storage bins interfere with the car's aerodynamic profile and cost you gas mileage.
13. Save those road trips for the fall. Gasoline prices are usually at their lowest then.
14. Consider a more fuel efficient car when purchasing.
15. Consider a manual transmission over an automatic when purchasing to save on gas.
16. Plan local errands for a single afternoon and plan a route for the least distance traveled.
17. If there are real close errands to be done, ride a bike or walk.
18. Carry an empty gas can, a full water bottle, and some simple tools. These may help deter a hefty towing fee.
19. Get a magnetic key holder for somewhere on your car. This wil someday save you from a locksmith fee.
20. Pump your own gas.
1. Brake sensibly rather than suddenly for longer lasting brakes.
2. Learn how to perform routine maintenance yourself.
3. Change your oil regularly.
4. Check your oil level regularly.
5. Fill the windshield wiper fluid yourself.
6. Check up on all the other important fluids on a regular basis.
7. Rotate your tires regularly.
8. Inspect the fan belts at least semiannually.
9. Wash and wax the car yourself instead of taking it to the car wash.
10. Make sure the spare is fully inflated.
11. Make sure you have a jack.
12. Do not have a dealership do routine maintenance.
13. If you get your oil changed by a shop, buy your oil at a discount store and bring it with you to the shop.
E-Mail with your tips
Return to Balancedword