Today, when the cost of all commodities is going up, especially gas prices are putting a crunch in everyone’s budget. And we think that there are no ways to relieve our budgets. But, no matter what type of vehicle you drive, whether it is an economy car or a sports-utility vehicle, you can still save on gas and save money. Here are a few tips on how to save on gas to help offset the rising prices:

• Keep your car as well as its engine tuned, because poorly tuned car increase fuel consumption.
• Try to drive steadily and if possible avoid unnecessary driving. Slowing down or speeding up can also waste fuel.
•  Excessive use of air conditioner of your car can reduce fuel economy. Run the air conditioner until the car gets cool and after that turn it off. You should never run the air conditioner when the car windows are open.
• While driving your car at high speeds, remember to keep the windows closed, since open windows cause additional drag and reduce gas mileage by 10 percent.
• Don not over inflate the tires, because it may reduce your fuel efficiency. Each tire should be periodically spun and balanced. However, underinflated tires also cause higher fuel consumption.
• Avoid unnecessary idling of your engine for a long time. So, turn off the engine if you are stuck in traffic or anticipate a wait. Unnecessary idling of engine may cause waste of fuel even in a fuel-efficient car.
• Avoid revving the engine, especially before you turn off the vehicle. Because, needless revving causes wastage of fuel and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
• Do not try to exceed legal speed limit. They are set for your traveling safety, however, they also give better gas efficiency.
• Avoid warming up your vehicle for long period of time. You do not need to warm up the new cars as they are made to run when cold.
• Try to avoid traveling at fast speeds in low gears. Fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45 percent more fuel than is needed.
• Avoid carrying excess weight or unnecessary heavy items in your vehicle. Any extra weight can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy.
• It is not necessary to use the highest priced gasoline, because today all cars are built to run on regular fuel. However, certain brands of fuel provide greater economy, so use the brand that seems most beneficial. Also change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear that is caused by friction between moving parts and also removes harmful substances from the engine.
• Do not fill up your vehicle tank with fuel when its price is too high. Fill it up when the price goes down
• The best way to save money on gas is to buy a fuel-efficient vehicle or the vehicle that gives good gas mileage.
• It is always recommended that you should use motor bike, cycle or take a walk for shorter distance.
• When going to an event or work try to share a ride with someone.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 7th, 2008 at 5:18 am and is filed under Buying a Car. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.