Tips for Saving Money on Fuel for Your Car

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Whenever you see the price rise at the gas pump, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to help keep fuel costs down. In fact, there are quite a few things you have control over that can affect your consumption of gasoline and can save you money.

Buy the Right Vehicle

The kind of car you drive can greatly impact your gas mileage. Although that could mean an electric or hybrid vehicle, it doesn’t have to. You could purchase a newer model car that uses more plastic parts that have been created with custom machining. Many newer cars have been designed with plastic, lightweight materials so that all the added amenities don’t have an impact on weight or mileage.

Don’t Race When in Pole Position

Quick acceleration uses more fuel than taking a few seconds to slowly get up to speed. You don’t need to be the first off the block if you want to save on gas.

Don’t Slam on the Brakes To Stop

Whether you are coming to a stoplight or just driving in heavy traffic, you lose your forward momentum by slamming on the brakes. Be aware of what’s happening in traffic and change lanes early if you notice a problem down the road. If you can coast for a while before stopping at a stop sign, you will also save on fuel.

Keep It Steady

If you are accelerating and decelerating over and over while driving, you are wasting money. Using cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed and reduce your fuel usage.

Slow Down

You are not on a racecourse, so don’t act like it. Keeping to the speed limit helps you conserve gas and promotes safety. While going faster may shave a minute or two off your travel time, it could also increase the amount of fuel used by up to 20%.

Don’t Be Idle

If you tend to keep the engine on while waiting for the kids in the carpool to come get in your car, turn it off. Idling time adds up, and your car can use up to one cup of fuel if your idling adds up to 10 minutes.

Keep the Weight Off

Of course, you occasionally need to purchase heavy items and transport them home in your car. However, if you leave those boxes of tile in your minivan for several days and drive around with them in there, you are using more fuel than you need to. Unload immediately to save on gas and to get your project started sooner.

Start with one or two of these ideas until they become a habit, and soon you’ll be spending less at the pump.