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Gas Saver Secrets

Rising gas prices are a source of frustration for motorists. Unfortunately, the demand for gas is always present. Saving fuel should be a priority for anyone who realizes the value of his money and the environment. Luckily, there are many measures you can take to make your car go the extra mile.

  1. Stretching the Tank

    • Common sense would dictate that the longer you go without filling up, the less money you'll spend on gas. There are some tricks that can help with mileage. First, keep an eye on your driving habits. Your tendency to speed or press hard on the gas pedal is a surefire way to shoot money out the exhaust. A fuel monitor is an effective solution to this problem. For under $200, this technology lets you constantly monitor your fuel consumption. In turn, you can alter your driving techniques and see how effective they are in real time. Another way to save gas is to avoid letting your car idle. In fact, idling your vehicle consumes one gallon of gas per hour. Try avoiding things like drive-thrus and opt to park your car instead.

    Size Matters

    • Logically, a larger vehicle requires more gas. With this in mind, try lightening your load. If you have to rent a car, choose an economy-sized one. Cars like the Toyota Yaris or the Hyundai Accent can use up to 50 percent less fuel than a full-sized vehicle. Also, avoid towing a trailer. Trailers add a tremendous amount of dead weight and reduce your vehicle's aerodynamics. Weight and wind resistance force your car to work harder, reducing your mileage. If you need extra room for luggage, try attaching a luggage rack to the back of your car. Do not put a rack on your roof, as this will also affect aerodynamics.

    Watch the Little Things

    • There are small things you can do that will definitely help increase your mileage. Avoid driving while wearing thick shoes, like hiking boots. Thin-soled shoes give you a better feel of the gas pedal. In turn, you will have more precise control over your acceleration. Also, be careful with cruise control. This mechanism saves you fuel by maintaining a steady pace on long, flat stretches. However, using it on hills can be more of a hindrance. Driving up and down hills forces your engine to constantly accelerate or decelerate to maintain the cruise's speed. As a result, gas can be wasted.

    Downsize

    • A surefire way to save gas is to avoid the pumps completely. To that end, bikes are useful, since they only use you for fuel. If you are within biking distance of your destination, leave your car at home. Another option is to use a motorcycle. While they may not save as much money as a bicycle, their mileage is considerably better than any car. In fact, motorbikes can be up to twice as efficient as cars.

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