Increase Gas Mileage, 5 Tips To Save $$$'s Per Week At The Pump
With gas hovering around the $3.40 per gallon mark, a tank of gas now costs the average driver a hefty $50. Take that figure to almost $100 if you own a truck. And with no end in sight to these high prices, drivers are searching for ways to squeeze every last drop out of a gallon of gas.
Of course, there are a number of common sense tips that relate to your driving habits. Combine errands, take public transportation if available, and car pooling are tried and true methods to lessen the bite on your wallet. But if you must drive (and that's most of us), here are some lesser known tips to help you save a few dollars per week. These five tips are strategies you can use starting today to save as much as $10 per week. That's over $500 per year!
Gas Saving Tip #1: Anticipate Traffic Conditions
More often than not, we're in a hurry when we're driving. After all, we want to get somewhere and get there quickly. However, rapid acceleration and frequent braking are huge gas guzzlers. Learn to anticipate traffic conditions. If you see a stop sign or red light ahead, take your foot off the gas and cruise to a stop. It will save gas as well as wear and tear on your brakes.
Tip #2: Inflate Your Tires Properly
Underinflated tires are one of the biggest causes of inefficient fuel economy. Studies show you can increase your gas mileage by 5% with properly inflated tires. It's interesting to note that cold weather affects tire pressure the most. Check the air pressure in your tires monthly, especially in winter.
Tip #3: Idling Gobbles Gas
Sitting and idling wastes gas, so if you're waiting in a traffic jam or sitting at a railroad crossing, turn off your engine. The same holds true for warming up your car. Warming it up for a few minutes is plenty. Anything beyond 5 minutes and you're wasting fuel.
