last updated May 13, 2008
Tips For Reducing Your Gas Costs
As we head into the high season for summer travel, many of us are concerned about the skyrocketing price of fuel. With the cost of crude oil now well over $120 a barrel, and some analysts predicting that fuel costs may exceed $4 a gallon this summer, can we afford to "feed" our hungry SUVs as we head out for that well-deserved summer vacation? In this article, we explore a number of methods for reducing overall gas costs.
As a consumer, the challenge is twofold; first off, to ensure that the vehicle we have chosen to use is cared for and operated in a manner that is optimum for fuel efficiency. Secondly, that we are able to identify the best deals on our gasoline, without driving across town to get them. That's easy, right?
Actually, with the rising costs of fuel driving this need and the assistance of technology, there are some slick and easy ways of finding the "cheapest" gas!
A variety of online tools and Web sites are available that compare gas prices at different stations in your area. A cellphone subscriber can have gas prices delivered directly to their phone; some Web sites offer fuel consumption calculators, provide sources of alternative fuels and even provide mass-transit options.
Ah, the wonders of our high-tech world!!! As an example, every night MSN Autos receives pricing data from over 90,000 gas stations across the nation. You just input your zipcode and you can compare prices quickly and easily in your local area. There are a number of other sites that provide the
same services, such as www.gaspricewatch.com and www.gasprices.mapquest.com. The latter site additionally offers a fuel calculator, which can be a handy tool especially when planning a long road trip.
If you drive frequently and want to have the information available at your fingertips on a continual basis, you can try an application called a "widget". A widget is a tool that you can download from a website such as Automotive.com (this one happens to be free of charge). The tool is stored on the consumer's computer and continually updates local gas prices in "real time" without requiring a visit to a separate Web page.
For on-the-go information that you can access from your cellphone, you can download an application from Getmobio.com which will allow you to simply punch in a zipcode and find the cheapest gas immediately. How cool is that?
Here are some tips from various sources including the Federal Trade Commission and the Government website fueleconomy.gov on how to get more miles out of each gallon of gas and
keep some dollars in your wallet.
- Drive Slower. Believe it or not, gas mileage decreases significantly over 60 mph.
- Replace air filters regularly; a dirty air filter can reduce your mpg up to 10%.
- Try to accelerate and deccelerate more gradually; avoid fast braking.
- Reduce the use of your air conditioning; park in the shade. crack the windows.
- Keep your windows rolled up while driving (reduces drag).
- On the highway, consider (safe distance) "drafting" behind large motor rigs.
- Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
- Change your oil regularly and use the recommended viscosity oil.
- Keep your engine tuned; this can affect your mpg up to 4%.
- Remove roof racks or unnecessary items that increase drag on your vehicle.
- Try to plan your excursions more efficiently by combining errands with other necessary outings.
- Assess your route not only on shortest distance but consider traffic congestion and stop lights.
- Carpool when you can.
- Buy a car with manual transmission.
- Fill up at the discount gas stations (Arco, Mustang) rather than the big names (Shell, Chevron, etc)
- Shift into neutral when you are standing still to reduce transmission strain and cool off the transmission.
- Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle; an extra 100lbs can reduce mpg up to 2%.
- Use public transportation, a bicycle, or good old fashion walking.
- Use overdrive and cruise control for highway driving.
- Avoid unnecessary idling; shut the car off and restart if you anticipate more than a minute or two wait.
- Choose the right octane. For most cars, the
recommended gas is regular octane. Using a higher
octane gas than the manufacturer recommends offers no
benefit, and it costs you at the pump.
- Be skeptical about any "gadget" promising to improve your mileage. The
EPA has tested more than 100 such devices -- including "mixture enhancers" and
fuel line magnets, and concluded that very few provided any benefits.
- Buy a hybrid, alternative fuel vehicle, or simply or one that simply gets better gas mileage.
Gas costs are rising and wallets are shrinking. It is time to be proactive if you are going to survive the gas and energy crunch. Use the strategies that work for you and keep your eyes open for new ideas in order to realize the best savings.
Here are some more money savings tips.
For more energy saving tips for cars, visit the Department of Energy's Website.
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