Every Day Saving:10 Tips To Save On Gas

The average price of a gallon of  regular gasoline is $4.154 (as of 05/20/2011), More than a dollar compared to 2010. And it may be even higher in the peak driving season of June through September. In my state, Florida, I buy gas at $3.89 – $4.07 range per gallon, but my average spent on gas per month rarely increased compared to last year.

Saving money on gas is not a very hard task. Just a few changes in your habits can save a significant on gas bill.

Here are some useful ways to spend less on gas:

1. Adjust your driving. fast and aggressive driving consumes more gas. Rapid acceleration and frequent braking leaks gas. Fuel efficiency usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour. Do not cross speed limit. As per department of driving safety, traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph. Keep windows closed while driving at high-speed, it reduces air drag. Do not hit breaks and allow your car to gradually slow down at red signals, if traffic permits.
2. Use recommended engine oil. You may improve your fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of oil. As per the Department of Energy calculation, using right oil can save up to 7 cents per gallon. Double check and read reviews before using additives.
3. Do regular servicing. A car that isn’t running well uses more gas. Fixing even a small engine problem can improve your miles per gallon by 5 percent Do regular tune up, do all recommended servicing as per your car manual. Change air filters regularly.
4. Find out best prices in your neighborhood. various websites and smart phone apps can help you compare prices at nearby pumps. Also buy gasoline during early morning or late night, because density of gas is at its highest level during this time. Avoid sloshing over by not filling up to the top.
5. Clean up that trunk. Remove any heavy items from the trunk, roof rack, or floor. An extra 100 pounds can reduce your miles per gallon by about 2 percent, and removing the excess baggage can save you up to 7 cents per gallon. In winter icicles accumulate quickly and that increases weight of your car.
6. Use GPS. Find the shortest route to your destination. Choose between two shops based on distance from your home. If you have more than one things to take care. Calculate the sequence of drives. It usually If your car doesn’t have one, search online for “free GPS” to find software you can install at no cost on a cell phone or hand-held device. Or make a habit of keeping a map in your car.
7. Work from home. Very few bosses will object to you working from home(if your job allows that) for a day, specially, Fridays.
8. Car Pool. Find a colleague who live near by, share the ride with him. It’s important that you return the favor to him by driving alternative days.
9. Drive fuel-efficient car. If you have two cars, and one is gas guzzler, more often use the economy car, especially when you are driving alone.
10. Some minor adjustments you can self do. Turn off AC while entering freeway, when you are accelerating, same when you are climbing  steep road.  Turn off auto air conditioner. Remove vinyl tops, inflate tires as per your car manual, always check for tire pressure, probably once every week. Avoid driving through bumpy roads.

These are small changes, but following which you can really save a lot over the years. I follow the techniques, my gas bill did not go up in the last couple of year.