The staggering climb of the price of gasoline to dizzying heights could never pass unnoticed. You only need to read the papers, watch the news, or visit a gasoline station to make you wonder why in the world you still own a car. Indeed, at the rate gasoline prices are increasing, we may all have to banish our cars to our garages for an indefinite hiatus.
However, that doesn't have to be the case. With a little extra effort, you may actually cut back on gas expenditures without submitting yourself to the inconvenience of public transport. Here are some tips:
Stop Driving like a Maniac
Even if your car can go from 0 to 70 km/h in an instant, you don't have to gun it to its limit all the time. You also don't have to test the capabilities of your new break pads regularly. Jack-rabbit starts and speeding, as well as last-second and frequent braking, wastes gas. Instead, take off slowly from full-stop and then drive at a consistent speed that is within the speed limit. Get to know your usual routes so that you can anticipate stop signs and traffic lights. Keep your driving at a moderate level. It saves you gas and will keep you well beyond the reach of accidents, as well. Don't Idle
If your going to stop for longer than a minute (say, when you're in a drive-thru line or when waiting for a friend who's at the ATM machine), turn off the engine altogether rather than idling. Contrary to popular belief, you use up less fuel when starting up the engine than letting the car sit with the engine on. Plan Your Trips
Make a list of errands and see which ones can be done in a single trip. Also, make it a habit to call ahead (for appointments, for inquiries on availability of a person or a certain item, etc.) to avoid wasted trips. Park in the first space you see, and then walk to your stop/s. You'll use too much gas when you drive around looking for a space whose proximity is to your liking. With this, you'll save on gas, and also promote a healthier you. Fill Up Wisely
Filling your car up with gas takes more than going to the gas station. Here are some points you need to know so that you can save on gas when filling up.Keep it Cool
Opt to fill up your car with gas in the early mornings or at night when ground temperature is still cold. Keep in mind that the colder the ground, the denser the gasoline (which is usually stored underground in gas stations). Gasoline expands when it gets warmer. So, the liter of gas you bought in the afternoon is actually less than a liter.Half-Full or Half-Empty
Before you prime yourself up for a psychological test, be assured that this does not refer to your level of optimism or pessimism. It only encourages you to fill up with gas when the tank is still half-full (or half-empty, whichever way you look at it) as opposed to waiting for the empty sign to go a-blinking before going for more gas. The more gas in the tank, the less air occupying the empty space. Stay Clear of Gas Trucks
If you see that gasoline trucks are pumping more gas into your favorite gas station's underground storage, don't fill up in that station just yet. In fact, stay clear of the station for a few days. When a storage tank is refilled, sediments get stirred up. These sediments may find their way into the tank of your car and can decrease fuel efficiency, and speed up the wear and corrosion of the spark plugs. Take Care of Your Car
Like any other machine, keeping your car in tip-top shape promotes fuel efficiency. Here are a few points you should keep in mind when assuring that your car is in the best condition possible: Tune Up
Get a tune up regularly. Your car's owner's manual usually indicates a specific tune up schedule. As a general rule, it should be done at least every two years or every 30,000 miles, whichever happens first. A tune-up usually takes only a couple of hours and can be performed by any automotive repair shop in your area. A tune-up provides necessary maintenance for your car, while identifying and replacing worn parts. If you don't treat your car to a regular tune-up, expect low gas mileage and damage to critical engine components. Change Oil Regularly
Generally, cars need a change of oil every 3,000 miles. This can extend the lifespan of cars and promote fuel efficiency. Tire Maintenance
Make sure that your car's tires are always well-inflated. When tires are underinflated, they get worn faster, leading to fuel wastage. Underinflated tires can also get hot and weaken, increasing the chance of a blowout. Reduce Weight
Lighten the load that your car carries every time you drive it. Clean out the trunk and remove all items you don't usually need on a drive. Relegate the roof-rack to trips when you usually carry luggage. Unless necessary, avoid loading your car with showy add-ons like oversized tires, brush guards, mammoth speakers, etc. A lighter car will use less fuel.
With these tips, you will still be able to enjoy the convenience of getting to places in the convenience of a car, and ensure that each trip is always pleasant, without using up too much gasoline and necessarily breaking the bank. Happy driving!
