Little introduction is needed to remind us how important it is to be frugal with gasoline. Making the most of your tank is also pretty simple, as stated by Edmunds, “Don’t drive like a maniac and observe the speed limit.” Of course, the cheapest way to get around is on foot, by bike, or using public transportation but here are the top ways to save money at the pump.
Driving around with excess weight in your vehicle is really just a waste of money (photo credit: Gene Flipse)
1) Driving Style
Driving for the planet is not only cheaper, it’s safer. Acceleration should be slow and steady and posted speed zones observed. Fast acceleration can reduce efficiency from 5 to 30%. Don’t idle; it’s unhealthy and wasteful. If you plan on stopping in a safe place for more than a minute, turn off the engine!
2) Tire Pressure
The condition and type of tires on your vehicle affect the amount of gasoline your car will consume. While the savings are individually small, the Natural Resources Defense Council estimates a 2% reduction in gasoline consumption if all tires on the road are properly inflated.
3) Weight
Excess weight in your vehicle can reduce your miles per gallon by 2% for every 100 lbs. Smaller vehicles are more affected than larger ones, so if you have a smaller car, clean out that trunk and only store what is necessary for daily trips.
Calculate Your Savings:
Eliminating excess weight shaves 2% off your gas usage. Add a further 2% by proper tire inflation. Stop idling and start driving slow, safe and steady and you should easily save 10% off your annual fuel consumption. In a 20 mpg vehicle driving 12,000 miles a year with fuel at $3.50 a gallon, that adds up to over $200 saved!
Did You Know?
- The USA has 4% of the population but needs 22% of the world’s oil.
- Two-thirds of the oil we use is for transportation.
