Get the Most Out of Your Gas

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Remember to tighten your gas cap as well. This is very simple and very easy to do and saves you money. Gasoline can evaporate out of your car's gas tank if it has a way out. Gas caps that are improperly tightened, loose or simply missing can result in hundreds of gallons of gas evaporating out of your car each year. So tighten your cap.

Driving

Ultimately the biggest factor translating to your overall gas consumption is how you drive. How often, how fast and how far. So drive smart. Driving aggressively fast will waste tons of gas and may even put others in danger. Try to maintain the speed limit and always attempt to gradually accelerate as opposed to a rapid acceleration. Rapid acceleration will just burn more gas than you need to. Also, it is important to note that you should try and avoid sudden stops or brakes, ideally you would like to maintain a constant smooth speed throughout your commute. This is both safe and cost effective.

Combine errands and choose to make one long multipurpose trip as opposed to many short single purpose trips. If it is possible try to change your route in order to avoid rush hour and heavy traffic. Sitting in heavy traffic causes your car to burn unnecessary gallons traveling very little distance. If you cannot avoid heavily trafficked roads, try leaving earlier or later in order to avoid the bulk of the traffic. This can be both stress relieving and cost effective. And never idle your car. For any period of time more than 30 seconds to 1 minute you should turn off your car. Every two minutes that your car is left idling can equal as much fuel as it takes to drive one mile.

Try to carpool. Carpooling as a concept has been around since the early seventies and it is amazing that more people are not doing this, especially in today's internet-age where information on local carpooling programs is accessible to virtually anyone. Many companies and businesses have a carpool program and there are also many supplementary programs you can easily find on the internet that can direct you to other individuals looking to carpool on a similar route as you. If this still doesn't work, then consider gathering some of your friends, relatives or associates and starting your own carpool system. This is a great way to cut down on cost, can be very enjoyable and is very green friendly. In fact, many countries have high-occupancy vehicle lanes in order to promote carpooling and combat rising traffic congestion.

Only Drive if you need to

This is the most basic and fundamental knowledge when it comes to savings. Walk, jog, run or bike if you can. If you don't need to drive then why do it? Walking, jogging, running and biking are all great forms of transportation and are great forms of physical activity that promote a long and healthy lifestyle. I really don't think anyone needs to address the positive health impacts of physical activity. Regular physical exercise can help boost your immune system and helps prevent cardiovascular disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and even prevent depression. Obesity and diabetes are two of the most common health concerns affecting North Americans. We should be looking for any reason we can to avoid using the car and to go for a run or bike ride in order to save our health and our money.

Whether you're on a tight budget or not, having extra money in your pocket never goes out of style. These tips not only help you save on cash but they help us all save on non-renewable resources which need to be conserved. You don't need to be a car expert in order to utilize these tips as they are basic enough that any responsible driver should be able to benefit from. Gas may never become the cheap traditional fuel it used to be but if you keep all these helpful hints in mind you are sure to save on money and will be able to afford that newer gas-friendly eco-car faster than you think, all the while protecting the environment and possibly getting some much needed exercise.

Article suggested by: Josh W., Los Angeles, Ca

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 User Comments:

eric

Jun 11, 2011 2:57 AM

i'm in high school and i have a 1981 f250 with a 5.7L V8. it uses a lot of gas, but i have a business towing large trailers for people (who usually drive eco-cars), so my customers pay for my gas.
i drive my truck everywhere i will never buy an "eco car." besides pretty much all eco cars in north america are automatic which is really lame. i drive only manual. do you?

NeetNort Jones

May 9, 2011 10:17 PM

just walk it's cheapear and it's "Green"

tightforcash

Oct 15, 2008 8:32 PM

i hear you can run a car on cooking oil

greeny

Oct 13, 2008 2:21 AM

i bike ride.

truck-stop-pop

Oct 11, 2008 11:22 PM

Man, im never topping off again... of course i mean that only in terms of filling my car with gas. ;)

avid

Oct 10, 2008 7:49 PM

the part about tire inflation is sooo true
i inflated my tires, and got like 460km on a full tank, whereas i used to get like 420!

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