Nobody wants to pay extra at the pump. One easy way to cut your driving costs is to use less gas. Put these eight tips into practice to reduce your gas consumption. You’ll notice big savings at the pump!
- Drive slower. It sounds so simple it’s almost silly, but just five or ten miles per hour slower can result in noticeable gas savings. You may have to practice in order to get used to slowing down but it will soon become a habit.
- Stay away from heavy traffic. Idling in a traffic jam wastes fuel, so try to avoid rush hour or school pick-up time. Look for more fuel-efficient routes, with fewer stop signs or traffic lights. The more you have to speed up and slow down, the more gas you’ll use.
- Keep an eye on the air pressure in your tires. Underinflated tires can reduce gas efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to find the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
- Use your car’s own momentum to save on fuel. Ease up on the gas when going down a hill and let gravity do the work. Don’t peel out or come to a sudden stop; starting and stopping more slowly will save gas.
- Keep up with maintenance. Change the oil regularly (and ask your mechanic about switching to a more efficient motor oil to improve performance). A smooth-running engine is more efficient and consumes less fuel.
- Opt into eco-mode. Many cars have a special economy setting – the name differs from model to model – that is specially designed to reduce how much fuel the car uses. You may be able to improve your car’s fuel economy by as much as ten percent.
- Get rid of excess weight. No need to tote around heavy bags of cat litter or gardening soil. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and drive a lighter load.
- Use the cruise – cruise control, that is. By maintaining a steady speed, you’ll use less gas