Saving Money at the Pump
For my first ever article here I am going to address the one thing that is on everyones minds: Saving money at the gas pump. Most of what I am going to list here is common sense, but there are a few things that many don’t know or they are aware of them but have forgotten.
None of us want to be “assuming the position” (I actually have this sticker on my car) and it would be nice if we could get back to the days of lower prices, but until then practice these tips:
1. Fill up during the coolest part of the day.
Early morning is the best time to fill because gas is a liquid and it will expand as it gets warmer.
2. Fill your tank as slowly as you can.
The lowest setting on the handle is the best to get more for your dollar. The reason for this is because your tank, when low fills with fumes. As gas goes in, the fumes go out. If you pump the gas in too fast the ratio of gas in and fumes out becomes distorted and you will not be able to fill as much as you would like. The tank gadge will read full when there is actually more room in there being taken up by fumes. In the old days, when backsplash cups didn’t exist, this problem didn’t occur but I would love a dollar for everytime I left a gas station smelling of gasoline. Not a pretty picture.
3. Keep your tires checked for proper pressure.
Less tire on the road means optimum performance out of your car… less gas used.
4. Keep your car tuned, oil changed and your air filters clean.
Nothing uses gas more than a sludgy engine that can’t breathe. You can save up to 3% more gas by doing these simple and necessary things. If your filter is not that dirty, have the mechanic blow it out with an air hose… saving even more unnecessary bucks.
5. Turn off the air conditioner on nice days.
Get some fresh air and air out your car like you do at home. Even a car can get stale being shut up all day and we can always get a rush from the fresh air blowing your cares away!
6. Walk, bicycle, car pool or use mass transit.
If you have any of these available, using them just once a week would save America tons of gasoline and money. I personally have been checking out scooters, but at the moment they are still a bit too pricey for this old gal.
7. Stop jackrabbit starts, uneven gas pedaling and slow down.
Nothing drives me more crazy than someone that can’t hold an even gas pedal when they are driving. (Well that and over steering… lol) Jack rabbit starts use more gas than necessary. Let your car accelerate naturally. Coasting when going down hill can also save gas and don’t press your car to maintain speeds uphill. Keeping to the lower speed limits also saves gas. Gas mileage decreases quicker at higher speeds.
8. Use your cruise control on highways.
This was put into cars, not just for your convenience but also as a gas saver. It uses the optimum amount of gas needed to get you the most out of every gallon.
9. Combine your errands so you are not running more than needed.
Nothing uses more gas than running all day for different things. Get it all done at once and you will notice a marked savings in gas usage.
10. Extra weight in the trunk make an engine work harder to pull it.
I am as guilty of this as the next person. I think that I need this and need that or will need it eventually and my car truck ends up becoming a storage spot of useless items. Lighten your loads!
11. Gas saving gadgets are 99% ineffective.
Don’t waste your time and money on these things. They just don’t work.
12. Use the proper octanes recommended for your car.
Why waste money on higher octanes when it isn’t needed? All cars have an octane guide in either the door panel or in the users manual. If the car is sluggish and has injectors, then by all means have them cleaned every once in a while. Your engine will love you and perform better.
13. Don’t let your gas tank get completely empty.
Trash eventually collects in gas tanks. If you allow it to get completely empty that trash can get into your gas lines and clog your filters. You should never allow a tank to get below a 1/4 tank.
14. Turn off that car and stop idling it when it isn’t necessary.
Idling uses gas… and you are not going anywhere. It is not like the old days when you had to prime the carburator to get the engine started. Todays cars are already primed and ready for you to just turn the key. A lot of us are also guilty of getting in our cars, turning on the engine and then just sitting there. Or arriving at our destinations and letting the car idle while you get all your things ready to go before turning off the engine. These are all gas eating habits that we all need to break.
This is just a small list of common sense things that will save you money at the pump. I hope it is useful to you and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.
Phoenix
September 19th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I try to use the old “Georgia Overdrive” when SAFE to do so; shift into neutral on long downhill grades, coming to a known stop, etc. SAFE is the key word. I picked up almost 2MPG by doing this AND SLOWING DOWN from 75 to 70 (both were with cruise) on the turnpike / expressway.
September 19th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
All good and recommended things to do by the experts. But this is the first I have ever heard the sayin “Georgia Overdrive”… you will have to fill me in on that one. LOL!!
Glad you stopped by!
September 19th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
if i empty out the trunk, where will i put the x wife?
September 19th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
i live in the mountains, so the downhill sections are LONG, and SOMETIMES i even turn the key OFF which makes for harder braking and steering, but it is a thrill…… I like your new blog.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Thanks David! I think that you could always stash her in the old stove that you have… make for a warmer fire? Oy!
September 20th, 2008 at 4:40 am
I’m still working on that methane converter to dispense with any pain at the pump
September 20th, 2008 at 8:20 am
My dad, who used to build engines for stock cars…and who would know) always told me to stay in my lane unless it was necessary to pass. Changing lanes frequently is the worst gas hog there is. Any unnecessary friction on the tires uses more gas, and causes more tire wear.
Also he taught me to hold the wheel steady, and boy does that count in my new Kia Optima. No daydreaming in that car…
September 20th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
That speeding up at a steady rate instead of a fast rate has saved me gas. Good looking blog!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
The Sept./Oct. issue of AARP magazine has a small article on gas savings on page 18. It says:
“The hands on way to save on gasoline? “After every fill-up, twist the gas cap until you hear it click” – or in older vehicles check for a tight seal – advises Rich White, head of the Car Care Council. Nearly one in five cars has a loose cap, causing 147 million gasoline of gas a year to vaporize, White adds. A leaky cap can rob you of two miles a gallon, about 10 percent of typical mileage. That’s as much as better-known gas-wasters such as underinflated tires, dirty air filters, and worn spark plugs, and with gas at $4 a gallon, maybe it’s time we all get a new cap – with a lock. S.K.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
You are correct and I made everyone here buy one… and when they wouldn’t I bought them one. With todays gasoline prices, there have been a few thefts in my neighborhood… and we fell prey to them before the locking caps. Now? No gasoline is mysteriously disappearing.
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 am
I got a locking cap about 2 weeks after I bought the Kia. Had a hard time finding one for that car. I gave Dad my old one from the Chevy, but think he lost it…somewhere in the deep caverns of his cluttered trunk. Guess it is time to get him a new one..
Good gas savings hints in that article…