It’s Up To You To Save Money on Gas

As gas prices start to inch up to nearly $4.00 a gallon, we are all feeling the effects on our budget. Check out these frugal tips for saving money on gas costs.

• Fill up your tank during the coolest parts of the day. This is the time when the gas is most dense. And if possible park in shaded areas to keep the car cool; gasoline evaporates out of your gas tank and it does it faster in direct sunlight.

• Fill up the tank. Don’t buy ten dollars at one station and then ten dollars at another a few days later. Locate the cheapest gas and fill the tank and then don’t go back until the tank is a quarter full. If you keep topping off the tank then your car is burdened by the extra weight and not as fuel efficient.

• Stop driving. Okay, not literally but maybe you can take public transportation or ride your bike to the grocery store. Think of ways you can keep your car in the drive way. Maybe your kids want to go play at a friend’s house – ride your bikes or walk if it is an acceptable distance.

• Slow down. If you can’t stop driving then slow down. Many people speed off at a green light and operate their vehicles at high rates of speed. There is no reason; do the speed limit. Also, when you see a stop sign or red light coast to a stop; don’t keep your foot on the accelerator.

• Avoid drive-through windows. You can spend ten or fifteen minutes idling and wasting gas. Just get out of the car and go inside. Also, if you anticipate waiting a long time in other lines then turn off your car.

• Plan ahead. If you are going on a trip make certain that you know the most fuel efficient route. Don’t just get in the car and wait to use the map when you’re lost. You’ll not only be wasting gas but also wasting time.

• Buy a different car. The SUV craze really seems like a bad idea now that gas prices keep sky-rocketing whenever a global event takes place – hurricane, unrest in a foreign country, you name it and oil prices go up. There are many inexpensive mid-size cars and hybrids that have room for a family and get very good gas mileage. Take advantage of them. Just because every other person owns a hulking SUV doesn’t mean you have to own one.

• Maintain your vehicle. Keep the tires properly inflated and if you need a tune-up then pay the money if you can afford it. Your vehicle will run at its optimum performance, thus saving gas.

Most of these tips are common sense but when the commotion of every-day life sets in, they are easily forgotten.  If you have more tips on how to save money at the pump, please let us know!