How to Save Money on Gas

Especially now that gas prices creeped passed the $3 a gallon line, it's important to find ways to save on gas. While our paychecks stay the same the cost of living increases. There are different thing you can do to save on gas and get more miles to the gallon. Here are a couple of tips:

1. Slow down

For each 5 miles  you go over 60 miles per hour, you pay an extra 15 cents a gallon. So, instead of going 60 you go 70, that means you are paying $3.10 plus an extra 30 cent, a total of 3.40 a gallon. Now, that is a significant increase in gas cost, not that the $3.10 isn't already high enough. Make sure whenever you push that gas pedal you remember this, over a long period of time you can save yourself a lot of money but just going the speed limit.


2. Check your tire pressure

Underinflated tires can cost you up to another 9 cent per gallon. Make sure you keep your tires inflated to the pressure that is recommended for your car. You can usually find the sticker and the information on the doorframe on the driver's side. Furthermore, instead of having to spend a quarter to use the air pressure machine at the gas station you can buy yourself a manual air pump and  a tire gauge. 


3. Avoid Idling

While idling, your car gets exactly 0 miles to the gallon. Although it is said that starting your car uses a lot of gas, it is still very little compared to idling for more than a few seconds. Try not to idle your car to warm it up in the morning or to cool it off in the summer, drive to do so. 


4. Gas up on colder days

Buy fuel on colder days or after 7 pm when it gets colder. When you buy on cold days, and pay for volume, you buy more fuel for the same price, because the gas is denser. Never fill the tank past the automatic shutoff or it will overflow when it gets hotter and you will be wasting money that way.


5. Park in the shade

In the summer when you park directly in the sun gasoline will evaporate much faster and you will use up more gas than you will if you park in the shade. Plus, your car will be less hot and it will take less time to cool it down.