Thrifty Mommy

Frugal Friday #8: 10 Ways to Save Gas

by Karen on May 18th, 2007

Many of you will be traveling soon and with gas prices nearly $3 a gallon, we all could use some tips on ways to save.

1.  Drive sensibly - Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, braking) wastes gas.  Driving sensibly can help increase your gas mileage by 5% for around town driving and 33% at highway speeds.

2.  Observe the speed limit - Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. 

3.  Remove excess weight - Avoid carrying unnecessary, heavy items in your car which will reduce your mpg.

4.  Use cruise control - Using the cruise control will help you maintain a constant speed, which will in most cases save you money.

5.  Keep your engine tuned - Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensory, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

6.  Check and replace air filters regularly - It saves gas and improves mileage.

7.  Keep proper tire pressure - Under inflated tires lower gas mileage.  Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

8.  Avoid roof racks when traveling - Place items in the trunk if possible.

9.  Avoid unnecessary idling - It wastes fuel and pollutes the air.  If possible, schedule your commute from work during the least busy times.  I remember when I worked in Blacksburg, I really had to watch the times that I left work.  Waiting an additional 10 minutes could cost me an additional 30 minutes of commute time.

10. Practical tip - Schedule your errands more efficiently.  I try to do all my errands on one side of town in one day, that way I’m not driving all over the place.  This saves time and money.

Hope these tips help.  Do you have any tips?

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POSTED IN: automotive, frugal friday, saving money, travel