Gasoline prices are on the rise and their is no apparent end in sight. It seems like every trip to the pump levies an increasingly large economic burden on our wallets. The average person doesn’t have to be at the mercy of the oil companies however. With a little preparation and forethought the average driver can learn how to reduce their overall fuel bill. Today, we are going to be discussing a few tips that will help you get a better handle on your fuel bill.
Step One: Find the Best Gas Prices
It may seem like a commonsense idea, but it is one that isn’t followed by most people. Prices vary greatly from station to station and an extra quarter mile drive can save you as much as ten cents a gallon.
Step Two: Keep Up on Car Maintenance
A vehicle that has been properly maintained not only runs better but consumes less fuel over the long run. Even basic maintenance tasks such as changing your oil and fuel filter can translate into big fuel savings in the long run.
Step Three: Drive Less
Most people think that they are only doing the driving they need to do but this is usually wrong. You can cut down on your overall driving by combining multiple trips, taking the first parking spot that you can find and carpooling.
Step Four: Reduce Idle Time
One thing that will quickly destroy your car’s fuel economy is unnecessary idling. Unnecessary idling can reduce a car’s fuel economy by almost twenty percent. Idling can also cause your spark plugs to become fouled which reduces fuel economy another four to five percent. If you are going to be parked for more than a minute, then shut down the engine.
Step Five: Fill Up Properly
You fuel economy can be influenced by not only your driving habits but also how you fill the car up. If you need to put gas in the car, then fill it all the way up. Many people will put a little bit of gas in each day because they believe they are saving money. The exact opposite is happening however, and filling the tank can save the driver unnecessary trips to the gas station. You can wait till the tank is around a quarter of its capacity and actually save money by hauling a lighter load of fuel. The driver shouldn’t push it any further than that, however. Running your car on less then a quarter of a tank will not only shorten the life of your fuel pump but will also result in lower fuel economy.
Step Six: Buy a Smaller Car or a New Car
Smaller cars are lighter and use considerable less gas than larger cars. If you can swing it, then buy a newer car. New vehicles have considerably better fuel economy than older cars. Another benefit of buying a newer car is that there will be less maintenance required to keep the car running at its best.
If you follow these six basic steps, then you will get better fuel economy from your vehicle and save yourself money in the process. Plus, you will be placing less of a burden on the environment and doing your best to keep the planet clean and healthy.
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