We’ve all heard little ideas here and there on improving fuel economy and saving on gas. If you’re like us you recall thinking how they sound like good, simple ideas. Or maybe you just don’t recall the great idea you heard on the morning commute after a full day of work followed by shuttling little Timmy and Suzy to soccer practice and ballet lessons.
 
We wanted this article to be about gas stealing techniques and rising up as one and slaying oil company executives, but the lawyers keep whining about legal ramnifications and federal watch lists. So we guess we’ll keep it civil for now.
 
We, like you, live in the really real world, and we understand that not everyone can car pool. So we’ve created this list with that in mind. We’ve collected a myriad of gas saving tips from sources and put them in one place for you. We start with everyday things that all of us can do and move on to progressively more difficult ideas that won’t work for everyone. And being realists, we’ll admit that no single tip in the list is going to save you enough money to pick up that 60 inch big screen next month, but collectively, we assure you that you will notice a difference.
 
1) Science Rules!
Buy gas during coolest time of day which is usually early morning or late evening. Like most other liquids, when gas is cool it is more dense. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to volume of measurement. Later in day when it’s warmer, the fuel expands and you’ll stretch that gas dollar a little further.
 
2) Go on a diet.
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. Also, only fill your tank up half way. Unless driving is your job or you’re driving a tank, you’re probably only filling up your tank once every few days. Keeping less gas in the tank reduces the weight of the vehicle and adds to your fuel economy.
 
3) Get the lead out.
Every vehicle is different, but most cars gas mileage is greatly reduced at speeds above 60mph. Generally, every 5mph over 60 is equivalent to paying an extra $.20 per gallon. Also, aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.
 
4) Overdrive.
If your vehicle is equipped with an overdrive gear, use it. Overdrive gearing reduces the speed of the engine, increasing fuel economy and as an added side benefit reduces engine wear.
 
5) Start Easy.
Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait. Stop and start gently. You can improve in-town gas mileage by up to 5 percent by driving gently.
 
6) Cruisin’
Maintaining a constant speed on the highway reduces the amount of gas that the engine consumes. On the highway, engage the cruise control to keep constant speed. I realize this is near impossible in rush hour traffic, but keep it in mind on longer road trips.
 
7) Stay in shape
Keeping your car properly maintained can improve gas mileage by up to 4%. Regular maintenance includes changing the oil, checking and replacing air filters, keeping tires properly inflated and using the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle. Refer to your owner’s manual for your car’s maintenance schedule and oil grades.
 
8) Plan Ahead
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.
 
9) Make Friends
If your situation permits it, take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. Depending on the number of riders, you can cut your weekly fuel costs by up to 75% and save wear on your car. Certain areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use special lanes on the highway. Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.
 
10) Do you really need room for 8?
Next time you’re on the highway and you’re alongside a monster SUV or some other tank with wheels, take note of how many people are actually in the vehicle. More than likely it’s one. Maybe you’re the one. The single biggest impact on fuel economy is your choice of vehicle. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle think efficiently. The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $1000 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $4.00). If you’re putting on more mileage in a year, the savings are only higher. And with a hybrid getting 50 or 60 mph, you’re looking at a savings of $2000 per year.
 
11) Avoid Construction!
Construction leads to heavy traffic jams! If at all possible, plan your route to avoid these delays as they take away your ability to maintain speed, which in turn, lowers your gas mileage. The constant stopping and accelerating can be a killer on your gas tank and your sanity.
 
12) Rebates, Rebates, Rebates
Most gas stations now offer credit cards which will give you a percentage discount or rebate when you purchase gas on them. Take advantage of this to build your credit, as well as lower your fueling costs. Just be sure to pay them off every month to avoid surcharges and late fees!
 
13) Trade It In or Not?
While it is probably not worthwhile to trade in your car for a more fuel efficient vehicle when you’ve recently bought a car and already have hefty payments on it, when the time comes to trade in that gas hog, consider a hybrid vehicle or a smaller automobile that gets better gas mileage. Your wallet will thank you all the way to the bank.
 
14) Exercise Has Many Benefits
Biking and walking aren’t just good for your health; they’re also good for your pocketbook. Use these methods of transportation for relatively short distances. You’ll have more money in your pocket from gas savings, and will feel a lot better physically as well.
 
15) Half Full or Half Empty
Filling up your car’s gas tank halfway instead of full will save you money as well due to the reduced weight of the car. Unless you’re going on a long road trip or drive all day long for a living, lighten the tank and save some money!
 
16) Research and Save
Check online for the lowest gas prices in your area before you leave the house so that you can get the most bang for your buck. Remember to search for and post the best gas deals in your area on gaspriceshurt.com in our low gas prices area!
 
17) More Expensive Does Not Mean Better
If regular unleaded is recommended for your vehicle, don’t purchase premium gas. You won’t get any additional benefit, and you’ll be throwing your money away. Check your car’s manual to see what type of fuel is recommended for your vehicle.
 
18) Weekday is Better Than Weekend
Gas prices tend to climb higher on weekends and holidays, so try to fill up during the week. This will ensure that you aren’t paying more just because other people are out driving more during their free time.
 
Please check back with us, as over the next few weeks we will be putting these tips to the test in our own vehicles and reporting the results right here.