With gas prices always on the rise, you are likely spending $40 a week or more on gas. Although some vehicles inevitably will cost less on gas, you can save money on gasoline by taking measures when you fill up your tank and drive your car. Certain maintenance can also help you to have better gas mileage. If your vehicle is still costing you more than you can or want to pay, you may want to consider getting another automobile.
Looking for creative ways to save money at the pump can help you to spend less overall on gas. Continually look around town for gas stations with cheaper gas prices than others, even if their prices are only a few cents lower, and try to get gas when prices go down. See if your grocery store has a rewards card or your credit card company has a card that will help you to get points towards or savings on gas. If you use high grades of gas, consider using unleaded gas if your car can run on this grade.
When you want to save money on gas, devise ways to drive fewer miles or change your driving habits. Look for shorter routes to get to destinations, especially places you go on a regular basis such as work. Take fewer long trips in your car and instead use other forms of transportation, such as buses, metros or planes, to get to further away locations. When you need to run errands at businesses close to each other, go to these destinations on the same day to avoid driving back and forth. Talk to coworkers about carpooling so all of you can save on gas. When you drive your car, try to run the air conditioner less and put less weight on your car to use less gas. You can decrease your car’s weight by taking unneeded items out of your trunk.
Perform regular maintenance on your car so that it runs efficiently. Certain issues, such as low tire pressure or clogged air filters, can cause your car to get lower gas mileage. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated; your air filters are changed regularly and tuneups are performed regularly on your car. Getting routine maintenance on your car can ensure that you get better gas mileage.
If you just can’t save enough because your car is a gas guzzler, consider trading in or selling your car and getting a more fuel efficient car, such as a hybrid. Hybrids often get 40 or more miles per gallon, depending on the type of hybrid you get. These types of cars have combustion and electric motors so that they can run on gasoline and electric power.
Saving money on gas can mean that you have more money for other essentials, such as food, rent and utilities. Devising methods to save money on gas can also teach you to be a smarter driver because it can get you to take a more active role with vehicle maintenance. Gas prices often go up during certain times of the year, such as during holiday weekends, so you constantly need to find ways to save on gas.