Are prices at the pump costing you an arm and a leg? Do the dollar quantities have you sitting at home instead of heading out for some fun? It doesn’t have to be this way. There are plenty of ways to save on gas so you can go out and enjoy the summer air (with your arms and legs intact).
Fill the tank to full
If you need to fill up, fill up all the way. When you just put 10- or 20-dollar spots into your car, sometimes liquid fuel is forced into the evaporative emissions and it can be burned while it is running. This doesn’t mean wait until your tank is on E to fill up though! You should search for pumps when you have a quarter tank left because running a car with less than a quarter tank can shorten and sometimes destroy the electric fuel pump. Filling up all at once also saves you time because you do it all in one shot.
Avoid Idling
Don’t leave the car on while waiting for a buddy outside of their house as you are about to hit the gym or the mall. Idling your car gets zero miles per gallon. Starting the car uses the same amount as idling for 6 seconds. So if you are going to be waiting for more than 6 seconds it would be more efficient to turn off the car to save your gas tank from sucking up your dollar bills.
Park in the shade
Gasoline actually evaporates right out of your tank, doing so faster when you park directly in the sun, no matter the season. Searching for some shade to rest your car in will slow this down. An added benefit is that it will be cooler inside your car when you want to leave and you will need less air conditioner power to cool it off. If there is no shade available, park so that your actual gas tank under the car is facing away from the direct sun.
Park smart
Instead of looking for a space that is close to your destination, you should park in the first spot (aim for the shade) that is available, even if it is far away. The more you ride around looking for something close, the more gas you waste and the more your wallet gets lighter due to your fuel tank. Plus, walking is good for you!
Carpool
Grab some friends and head out to the beach or to the movies, all in one car. All chip in for a full gas tank so that a 40-dollar tank can become a 10-dollar one for each of you! Now you can have fun without worrying about the lack of cash in your pocket.
Windows down
Ditch the air conditioner for some breeze from your windows, but only around town. The air conditioner, when used a lot, is known to use up to about eight percent of the fuel you put into your car. On the highway it is better to roll up the windows because the increased drag reduces fuel efficiency, but at low speeds (35 to 40 mph) you should enjoy the fresh air. Also, it is better to use a vent instead of air conditioner because it is less work your car has to do to cool air.
Fill it with air
Have you seen those air stations at select gas pumps? They are there for a reason, to keep the correct amount of air pressure in a car’s tires, saving you money on gas. Inflated tires can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to Fueleconomy.gov. The more mileage you get per each tank of gas the less money you have to spend at the pump!
Get a Gas App
There are plenty of apps that help users find cheap gas while on the road. For iPhone and Android users, GasBuddy.com offers estimated drive times to gas stations in your area. Or you could check out AAA’s free TripTik app for the iPhone, which allows users to search prices for their grade of gasoline.
Cycle around town
Invest in a bicycle and get a workout in while you get your errands done. This is good for short trips nearby, but in the long run will ease the burden of your wallet at the gas station.
So don’t let gas get you down. Get out of the house and use these tips to save you money. A few dollars saved here and there may not seem a lot, but it can end up in the long run and your bank account will thank you.
Life is too short: Live, Laugh, Love
~ Kimberly Turner
