He conflict in the Middle East and the associated increases in the price of oil are expected to affect not only airfares but also the cost of gas for everyday consumers.
The national average price at the pump is currently $3.88 per gallon (per aaaa), almost a dollar more than the average from a month ago ($2.90 per gallon). Motorists are already feeling the pressure, and it’s likely to get worse as we approach the spring and summer travel season.
The good news: there are many simple and creative ways to save money on gasoline. The goal is to maximize fuel economy so you can get the most miles out of a tank of gas; This post will show you how to do it.
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Respect speed limits
If you are among the many drivers who often go faster than the posted speed limit (guilty!), you not only risk getting a ticket. You are also increasing your fuel consumption.
While the optimal speed for fuel economy varies from vehicle to vehicle, gas mileage tends to decrease (no pun intended) at speeds above 50 mph. According to the Department of EnergyEvery 5 mph you drive above 50 is equivalent to paying an extra 27 cents per gallon for gas.
If you slow down, you may fill up less often and put dollars back in your wallet.
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Drive conservatively
aaaa Encourages drivers to avoid rapid acceleration and harsh braking, as these habits can reduce fuel economy by 15% to 40%. The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use, and unnecessary braking wastes the fuel you’ve already expended to get up to speed.
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The more smoothly you drive, the more you can stretch your gas tank. Leave enough space and anticipate traffic patterns as much as you can to avoid sudden starts and stops. Focus on maintaining a constant speed on the road; Cruise control can help, but do not use it in slippery conditions as this may cause a loss of vehicle control.
Smooth driving will also help extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes and tires, according to Consumer Reports.
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Keep tires properly inflated
Tires may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about fuel efficiency, but neglecting them can cost you in the long run.
Kelley Blue Book points out that underinflated tires flatten slightly against the road, increasing what is known as rolling resistance; The higher the resistance, the more fuel the engine burns. Tires naturally lose 1 to 3 psi per month, depending on United Tiresand they can lose more if the air temperature drops or a leak occurs.
Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them as necessary to reach your ideal pressure. (You can usually find this information on a label inside the driver’s door frame.)
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Minimize idle
Many drivers have heard that it is more efficient to let the car idle than to turn it off and restart the engine, but this is a myth.
Since an already warm engine only needs about 10 seconds of fuel to restart, more than 10 seconds of idling will use more gas than restarting the car, according to the Utah Department of Energy. Department of Environmental Quality. You’ll get by if you turn off the car, as long as it’s safe to do so.
Similarly, letting your car heat up for long periods in winter wastes gas and isn’t really necessary. He RANGE reports that your engine will warm up faster when running, and that 30 seconds of warm-up time is all you need for most vehicles.
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Combine trips
Another obvious fuel-saving tip is to simply drive less. Although walking or biking may not be feasible depending on where you live, one thing most of us can do is combine several trips.
For example, instead of running errands as they come up, combine them into one big trip each week and plan the most efficient errand route. See if you can get multiple items in one place, for example by sending prescriptions to your supermarket pharmacy to avoid an extra trip to the pharmacy.
This will reduce fuel consumption, especially in periods of cold weather, when the DOE says car engines need more gasoline to warm up to their most efficient temperature. Fewer trips mean fewer starts and therefore less fuel spent.
Related: The best road trips to visit national parks.
Take care of your cargo
The more things you carry, the more gasoline you can burn. He RANGE Notes that you could lose about 1% fuel efficiency for every 100 pounds you add to your vehicle.
Worse yet, carrying cargo on top of your car creates more wind resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. For example, a large roof cargo box can reduce fuel economy by 2% to 8% in the city, or up to a whopping 25% on the interstate. Oh.
If you must carry external cargo, opt for a rear-mounted box or tray, which will have a much smaller impact on your mileage per gallon. And be sure to remove the charging stands when not in use, as they Consumer ReportsTests have shown that even empty roof racks can affect fuel economy.
Related: Common car rental mistakes and how to avoid them
Stay cool the right way
Running your car’s air conditioning consumes additional fuel: up to 10% more, for example. Kelley Blue Book —Then you might think you’re better off with the windows closed. But there is a trade-off, because open windows create more wind resistance.
According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineerswindows are the way to go at speeds below 45 mph. Quicker than that, close the windows and switch to the air conditioning.
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In a nutshell
Watching gas prices rise is never fun, especially if you’re planning a road trip in the near future. While recent events may have you considering an electric vehicle, you don’t necessarily have to buy a new car to save gas.
These tips will not only help you minimize fuel consumption and save money, but they will also reduce your environmental footprint and keep your car in optimal condition.
