Fuel Costs - Getting the Most for Your Money

AT THE PUMP

Most of us feel the temptation to just "top off" the tank while we're at the gas pump. You may want to reconsider.

Most of the extra gas is subject to evaporation or will ultimately end up on the road. Most of the vehicles made today have a gas overflow tube. If the overflow tube of your vehicle is full, the excess gas will evaporate and/or drain while you are driving. This lends new credence to the idea of "flushing money" away.

WATCH YOUR DRIVING

Frequent and sudden acceleration and then slow-downs and then immediate excessive acceleration wastes fuel. You are not getting the most fuel usage for your money.

Try to maintain a steady and consistent speed.

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO VEHICLE GODLINESS

Make sure that your air filter is clean and clean it on a regular basis. You may want to consider doing this monthly to really save big.

To clean your air filter yourself: Remove it and tap it on the concrete to remove all debris from it. Do not attempt to wash it. That will result in the ruin of it.

You can clean the filter housing with a cloth that has been moistened with a bit of gasoline or just a smidgen of hand cleaner formulated for mechanics.

If you follow these air filter tips, your vehicle will operate more efficiently. It will run cleaner.

CLOSE YOUR WINDOWS

When you are driving, keep your windows closed.

Open windows result in wind drag, and therefore, it slows your vehicle down. An open window adversely affects the dynamics of vehicle operation.

So, keep your windows up and save $$$.

TIRE PRESSURE

Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car, and regularly check your tire pressure. This is a good task to complete when you are already at the gas station to get more fuel.

Flatter tires increase fuel consumption because more fuel is needed to move your vehicle when more of the tire's surface is exposed to the pavement.

Depending on how much you use your vehicle, you could "earn" up to $10 more per month just by keeping your tires inflated according to the manufacturer's standards. Not to mention save on the cost of replacing your tires since low pressure tires result in uneven wear and tear.

LOSE THE RACK

Roof racks and bicycle racks really cost you over the long haul. Again, it is all about the dynamics of operation. Add a rack, and increase drag.

Lose the rack and decrease fuel consumption by up to 5%. Not much, you may say, but if you implement other fuel-saving tips, your savings add up quickly.

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Get rid of all excess "storage" in your trunk or backseat, and you can improve the operation of your vehicle by about 1%. Again, not much, but if you are commuting daily, and implementing other tips here, you will notice a considerable savings over time.

DON'T IDLE

There is no need to sit and wait for your vehicle to "warm up". If your car has electronic ignition, you are just wasting time and gas by doing so.

Take it a step further, and do not start your car until you are ready to begin driving. Check your make-up, your wallet, buckle up, get the kids settled down prior to starting the ignition.

This is true, even in cold weather.

SAVE FUEL BY THE MINUTE

Stopping and idling for just over one minute is a waste of fuel.

If you are going to be waiting with your car running for more than one minute, shut the car off. The fuel you use to restart your car will be less than if you had idled in place for two minutes or more.

Safety First: Please do not try this while driving and waiting at traffic lights.

LOSE THE A/C

Air conditioning is one of the most significant drags on fuel usage due to the extra work that your engine has to perform while the A/C is running.

You can, however, turn your vent on (high, if you wish), and turn the temperature to cold. But make sure your air conditioning is not turned "on".

This tip works especially well on the highway. The higher speed generally cools the air anyways.

PICK-UP TRUCKS

If you have a rear gate, remove it. It is causing additional drag on your vehicle. If you actually need the gate, try netting.

Remember that drag causes excess fuel consumption.

BREAK YOUR ROUTINE

If your daily commute takes you to another part of town, be sure to keep your eyes open for gas prices along the way. You may find that your neighborhood gas station or your regular stop isn't offering the best price on fuel.

Don't be afraid to break your routine to save more money at the pump.

Also do not be afraid of purchasing gas from an independent gas station. You don't need to worry about fuel quality when purchasing gas anywhere. It doesn't matter who the seller or brand name is - The federal government regulates the fuel quality.