Tired of digging deeper and deeper into your pocket to keep up with the ever-increasing price of gas? I am, but if you’re like me, a gas-friendly hybrid is not in the near future. Until something changes, either in gas prices or usage, these tips will help you get free gas every time you go to the pump so you can stretch your gas dollar a little farther.
Buy Lowest Grade Octane
Dig out your vehicles owner’s manual and buy the lowest grade octane recommended by the manufacturer. Contrary to popular opinion, high octane gas does not out-perform lower octane gas in anyway, so save a little money and get more gas by pumping cheaper priced low octane.
Pump and Pay
Pump gas yourself and save money. Full-service stations charge more for a gallon gas to cover the expense of hired help. Also pay with cash to eliminate fees that some gas stations charge customers for using a credit or debit card.
Buy Gas Early
Always buy gas early in the morning. The afternoon sun heats gas and causes it to expand, leaving you paying for more gas than you are actually getting.
Don’t Fill Up
Never top off your gas tank. Natural expansion will cause the excess gas to spill out, so always leave a little tank space. After pumping gas, keep the nozzle in place after the pump shuts off to get every last drop of gas you pay for. Be sure to tighten the gas cap to prevent evaporation.
For each pound of pressure the tire is low, you lose two percent of your fuel efficiency. Keep tires fully inflated (at least), slightly over-inflated tires gives even more gas mileage. Four to six pounds of added air pressure to tires gives two to three more miles per gallon of gas.
Ready, Set, Go
Get ready to go before you crank the vehicle. Allowing the car to idle for two minutes while you adjust the seat, mirror, radio and so forth burns money in the form of wasted gas. Two minutes idle time burns enough gas to drive one mile.
Use Radial Tires
Radial tires have a lower rolling resistance, which translates into 10% more miles per gallon of gas. Keep those radials (or any tires) in alignment so the engine is not overworking and burning extra gas.
Slow and Steady
Slowing down your driving speed will garner you three more miles per gallon of gas. Slow down from 65mph to 55mph and it’s like getting a couple free gallons of gas with each fill up. Maintain steady foot pressure on the gas pedal (use cruise control for highway driving). A light foot save gas. The most gas savings occurs when maintaining speeds between 35-45mph.
Attachments and Additives
Bike racks, luggage racks or whatever other item may be attached to your vehicle weigh the vehicle down and makes it less aerodynamic. If the attachments are not being used, remove them and save gas.
Pour a fuel enhancement product into your gas tank (read label). The right fuel additive can squeeze a couple extra miles out of each gallon of gas.
Sources:
AutoZone
Open Travel Info
treehugger
