How To Save At The Gas Pump
Gas prices are higher than ever, so you’re likely to see more advertising for “gas-saving” products on the market. Yes, we all want to improve on fuel efficiency and increase our gas mileage, but do these products really help? Or are they just taking an extra bite out of our already shrinking car budget?
In truth, you should be suspicious of any gas-saving claims for certain devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings can be miniscule.
You’ll see all sorts of claims and testimonies. “This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent.” Yeah, yeah. Actually, the EPA has tested over 100 of these supposed gas saving doo-hickies, and none of them were found to do the job well.
Some products can even damage your car. So much for cost savings! Please be skeptical of advertising claims for gas saving devices.
Here’s another quote you might read. “This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government.” Actually, no government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. If the seller claims the EPA has evaluated its product, ask for a copy of the report, or check www.epa.gov for information. Ah, I love the power of the internet.
If you want to save money at the pump, try these tips. They’ll serve you much better than some snake oil product.
Buy only the octane level gas you need.
The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. It’s a fact. So, slow down.
Use overdrive gears during highway driving. This also saves wear on your engine.
Use cruise control on highway trips.
Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. That means no tailgating! This tip alone can improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. Sudden starts and sudden stops are wasteful and can use a lot of gas.
Avoid long periods of idling.
Avoid carrying excess weight in your trunk.
Keep your engine tuned. Engine troubles can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Check them once a month. Under-inflated tires increases fuel consumption by six percent.
Change your oil at recommended intervals.
Check and replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.
Buy your gas in the early morning when the temperature is cooler. You will actually receive more gas for your money.
Pump your gas slowly. This equates to more liquid and less air bubbles and fumes in your tank.
There’s no need to buy products that cost you more money than they save. These little fuel saving tips can add up to an extra hundred bucks or so in your pocket each year!
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...
Try These Things To Save GasDrivers seem to let out a collective groan whenever they realize that it is time to stop to fuel up their automobiles, thanks to the sky-high gas prices these days. You would be hard-pressed to find a driver that would...
Save Money By Driving RightAs the price of gas has continued to rise over the last few years, people have begun to develop various tricks that can help them reduce their gas consumption. One of the first things you should try if you want...
P.a.m. Transportation Stuggling At The PumpWhile many consumers are plagued by the rising cost of gas, they are not the only casualties of this oil war. Many trucking companies are getting slammed and are struggling to find ways to make up for their increased fuel...
Vacationers Can Save Gas Money By Filling Car Tires With NitrogenNot only can travelers save money on gasoline by replacing the air in their vehicle's and RV's tires with nitrogen gas, they can save money on their every day driving as well. Research shows that drivers can improve their gas...