Unless you live in a city that is known to have extremely efficient public transportation, we’re assuming that your vehicle is high on your list of daily necessities. Which means, whether you like it or not, that fuel is high on that list as well. But besides driving around town looking for the least expensive spot to fuel up, what else can you do to save gas and your hard-earned money? Turns out, plenty:
• Buy the right tires for your vehicle and keep them properly inflated. The best tire for fuel efficiency is the one that has the least friction with the road, also known as low rolling resistance tires. Granted, these tires won’t hug curves as well as you may like, but the trade-off will be more money in your pocket! In terms of inflation, under-inflated tires can run you as much as ONE mile per gallon! A tire pressure gauge is a worthwhile investment, and you should use it to check the pressure of each tire once a month. Remember to follow the inflation rules listed in your automaker’s operator’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door.
• Need an excuse to clean out your trunk? What if we told you an extra 100 pounds in your trunk reduces your fuel economy by 1-2 percent? Well, it’s true! This goes for any extra baggage that might be strewn across your front and backseats as well.
• Proper routine maintenance. This will not only extend the life of your car and preserve its resale value; it will also optimize your car’s gas mileage. You know the old rule—change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles. It’ll forever be the golden rule in our book!
• Tighten your gas cap. Gas will evaporate if your cap is not tightly in place, and evaporating gas means evaporating dollar bills. Make sure you tighten the cap after each fill up. If you should happen to lose your cap, purchase one from your car dealer to avoid an after-market cap as it may not provide a snug seal.
If you are in the market for a fuel saving product like a tire-pressure gauge, check the nearest gas station, auto parts store, or discount stores that have an auto department.
Happy fuel-efficient driving!
