It's not like we will see gas prices from the past
2003: National Average $1.72 a gallon
1993: National Average $1.17 a gallon
We don't need to go back any further, do we? Those were the days my friend....
If you are not driving a Hybrid vehicle that gets an increase MPG, you are probably trying to figure out ways to decrease your driving time, and or increase your mpg. Anything, just as long as it doesn't include trips to the gas station to refill your tank. Sound familiar? We are all trying to get the most bang for our buck at the pump. I would rather be using that Gas Fund for other things... Dinner out, a Movie, New outfit, you know....
Here are a several ways to save you a few mpg. I am sure that you can incorporate some of these into your everyday driving habits. The old saying "A penny saved is a penny earned."can turn into dollars if you keep at it.
Learn some new habits, pick the ones that you can really do, and try them out for awhile. You could find that you Can get better mileage out of your vehicle.
Here we go:
#1. Use your Cruise Control and/or your Overdrive.
If your vehicle is equipped with it, use it. It will save you from the up and down changing of your speed. More gas is used when you are not regulating your speed.
#2. Do the speed limit on the highways and byways.
The national speed limit was reduced years ago in a effort to reduce the gas consumption. The faster you go the more gas is consumed. So even though going 70 mph will get you there faster, make sure you have money to burn, because that is exactly what you are doing. Burn baby Burn.
#3. Avoid Quick Starts/ Fast Stops.
Taking off from the line (stop)in a hurry, burns a lot of fuel. Coming to a stop abruptly can cost you too. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast a bit before stopping for a traffic light or a stop sign.
#4.Take the Junk out of the Trunk.
Added weight is added cost in fuel. By taking out the extra weight you increase your fuel efficiency. Get that extra bag of sand, mulch, or other items out of the bed of the truck, and that box of items you keep forgetting to donate.
#5. Keep your Tires Inflated properly.
Checking the air pressure in your tires is so important! It could save your life, save the tread wear and it can save you money at the pump..up to 5% more fuel is required to roll a set of under-inflated(5 to 8 psi) tires.
#6. Do Not Top off the Gas.
When you are pumping gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically.Extra room in the gas tank is needed for the gasoline to expand. Topping off the tank can cause the extra gas to overflow into your vehicle’s vapor collection system. This can cause your engine to run less efficiently (waste of gas and money). If you end up spilling fuel when topping off- you have just wasted more money.
#7. Tighten your Gas Cap.
Gas caps are play a large part when it comes to fuel efficiency . They keep fumes and gas evaporation from escaping the gas tank(your vehicle will use this evaporated gas). Gas caps also help protect the fuel system of the vehicle. They stop damaging water, dirt, and other contaminants from clogging up the fuel delivery system that is vital to your engines performance.
#8. Don't accelerate uphill.
Build up speed before an going up a steep incline instead of gunning it once you are going up hill, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast on the way down for additional fuel efficiency.
#9. Avoid Rooftop Carriers.
Carriers are great for when you are going on Vacation, but just know, it will cost at the pump. Todays vehicles are designed to have minimal wind resistance when driving on the highway, so avoid carrying things on your roof. Find and use an aerodynamic carrier to help minimize drag.
#10.Check your Air Filter.
Replacing a badly clogged Air Filter in an older carbureted engine will improve your fuel economy up to 14%.
#11 Get a Tune Up.
A properly tuned engine can improve your fuel efficiency by as much as 4%. If you have a faulty Oxygen Sensor, fixing it can boost your mileage up to 40%.
#12 Avoid Idling.
Try to avoid traveling during peak traffic hours when you are likely to get stuck in it, and avoid waiting in lines at a drive thru. It can cost you money as well. Idling can use a quarter to half a gallon per hour, depending on your engine and if you are running your A/C.
So there you go. 12 things you can do to save you Gas Money. There are other ways to cut your gas consumption, and raise your fuel efficiency, but these are some of the big ones. Hope that this helps you keep that money in your wallet. You deserve a nice night out or day at the beach.
Keep it between the lines.
Happy Motoring.
Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks
