As promised from the last post about spending a million dollars on gas, I went to research on several ways to save us gas. I was able to come up with 11 ways, which I will share with you today. I cannot really measure how much gas this can save me quantitatively, but I know that if I keep disciplined and follow the list below, I will end up saving quite a bit.
- Tires should be properly inflated – This is one of the most effective ways to save gas and the most overlooked. Why do I think it is overlooked? Just look at the line up to fill up the tank and the empty spot for inflating your tires. I remember last year when I was getting on average 260 miles per tank, and then now I get 290 miles per tank after I inflated my tires (this is a true story for those that do not believe me).
- Don’t road rage – Fast acceleration and deceleration is a killer for gas mileage. For proof, just compare the gas mileage on the freeway and the stop-and-go traffic of city driving.
- Reduce the weight the car is carrying – Since losing your own weight and asking your mother-in-law to walk is probably not an option, try to get rid of unused items in your trunk. I’m talking about those golf clubs, fishing polls, comic book library etc.
- Avoid warm ups – People in cold weather often turn on their car to warm it up before they get in the car. Just make sure to not do this too long because when the car is turned on, gas is burning.
- Wind resistance – Remember that wind affects gas mileage greatly. This means that rolling down the windows, putting your hand out the window, or putting a flag on top of the car will add wind resistance and ultimately waste more gas.
- Do not buy premium octane gas if you do not have to – Every car’s owner’s manual will have the lowest octane level of gas the car will take without affecting the engine. My car unfortunately needs the premium gas, or else it will start knocking, but I’m also spending hundreds of dollars more a year than others.
- Drive slower – This might be why some of the older generation drivers slower! It is not because they want to block everyone, they are actually wiser in knowing that the slower you drive, the less fuel consumption it will be.
- Tune up regularly – There is nothing like taking care of your engine. If you do regular maintenance on your engine (oil changes regularly, engine parts looked at), you will be surprised the amount of gas you save.
- Tighten the gas cap – If there is room for gas to escape, it will evaporate so make sure the gas cap is securely on. Buy a new one if you have to.
- Get a gas efficient car – Next time you buy a car, make sure you check out the gas mileage as one of your top priority. A Honda Civic’s gas mileage is different than a Hummer. Also consider getting a hybrid as they are getting more and more popular
- Carpool – See if there is a way to car pool to work. It cuts the gas usage by almost half and it makes the trip to work more fun, not to mention that you can talk about reading the article on My Own Millions blog yesterday with your colleague!
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Great list. Keep them coming.
I heard air conditioning wastes gas too so not turning it on might help. I have a Toyota Corolla, and let me tell you that I’m happy everytime I pump gas next to someone who has those pickup trucks.
I tune up regularly but I just never see a difference. I guess this is oen of those where you will only see the difference if you DON’T do it. Oh well! I wish I can figure out how much I’m saving by doing this so I can be happier.
On item 5, most people have no clue as to how much air effects moving objects.
Their are two types of air drag on objects induced drag and parasitic drag.
Drag increases by the cube of the speed of the object.
Good advices guys. Air drag on gas is a huge problem that people don’t notice since it is hard to see since there is no way we can calculate that correctly.
I’m just glad that many car designs have this important aspect in mind.
Carpool… That is fun. I used to do that but I just quit my job so I don’t need to car pool anymore!
I drive with the A/C on and get 45 m/g on the highway. With the A/C off I get 45 m/g on the highway. A/C does not waste gas.
Also, if you anticipate red lights and coast into stops that saves a lot of gas.
Shawn,
I think you are right. I read somewhere that A/C wasting gas is one of the myths out there. However, it definitely uses some energy, and I’m guessing we are paying for it with less than normal battery life, coolant replacement etc.
You forgot to add “ride a bike more”, that always saves gas! People seem to ride bikes more in Europe. It’s more common and a great way to get around. I can’t remember the last time I drove anywhere, but I live in Oslo where it’s rather easy to get around.
SEO: Yes bikes are pretty good, not to mention it is heathier to ride a bike than to drive! There aren’t that many bikes in united states though.
I have thought about biking to work but I gave up on the idea when I had to dress formal for work.
I have another way your readers can save money.
I am an inventor. This past summer I received US Patent #7,232,168 for The Baggy Buddy Grocery Bags Carry Handle. It’s a simple device that is used to simplify and expedite the carrying and managing of many bulky plastic bags full of groceries. I have them produced locally and sell them from my web site http://www.BaggyBuddy.com
During the last spike in gas prices I received emails from customers extolling a benefit derived from using Baggy Buddy’s that I hadn’t thought of. Gas savings. By doubling up on their groceries, a tactic made reasonable with two Baggy Buddy’s, they were making fewer trips to the supermarket. One user even did the math. She figured she cut out one trip in three. Or 34 trips a year. With a 12 mile roundtrip to her local supermarket, and gas prices at $3.00 a gallon, she figured she will save about $76.00 a year.
Of course, the amount of money saved will depend on the roundtrip distance an individual has to drive to get their grocery shopping done. But with gas prices heading up to a projected $4.00 a gallon, any trips saved will more then offset the $2.95 I charge for a Baggy Buddy with US shipping included.
hi , very nice post !
I live in Florida and high gas prices seems to be everyone’s ticket to justifying raising prices.
I find myself turning down the air conditioner, following the kids around the house and turning off unused electrical items. I even consider what I buy at the market based on needs not wants any more – a bag of chips mostly full of air has gone up in price by a dollar…..
I even search the web for any freebies based on gas giveaways. Like the site I found on – $500 dollar gas card give away … [ http://omadsense.com/gascard ]
Things are getting tight I’ll try anything…
Great post. Anything that can be done to save on gas is a life-saver right now.
http://gas-savers.headwait.com
Great list!
http://www.tenwaystosavegas.com