It seems like we're always filling up our gas tanks, and each time we do, it puts a big dent in our wallet. I remember the good old days when $20 would fill up my car; now it takes $40+. My husband's truck is worse; that gas guzzler requires an $80+ dollar fill-up. In an effort to save a few dollars, I've learned some valuable tips for improving fuel economy in order to make that fill-up go a little further. Here's what I've learned.
Don't ride on an empty tank
This may sound obvious, but I'm one of the world's worst to let my car "run on fumes" if I'm in a hurry. I know that I can at least travel 20 miles on the reserve fuel that's in my tank after it hits the 'E' mark. What I didn't realize is that sediment builds up in the gas tank to form sludge that settles to the bottom. When you run your tank on empty (or nearly empty), the fuel pump works even harder to pump that dirty, yucky gasoline through your fuel system. A new fuel pump, as I learned not too long ago, costs several hundred dollars to replace. So don't make your fuel pump work so hard. Your car runs much better when you actually have gas in your tank.
Tighten the gas cap
My car's gas cap is notoriously frustrating. It doesn't always go on quite right yet it makes that clicking noise that makes you think all is well. Make sure the threads are lined up and that your gas cap is sealed tight before you leave the gas station. Fuel can easily evaporate when your gas cap is broken, loose or missing.
Don't warm up your car
This is a hard one for me in the winter. While older cars required warming up before you started driving, almost any car made within the last 20 or so years does not require this step. It's tempting to get your car nice and toasty in the winter (or nice and cool in the summer) so you're comfortable when you get in. It's wasteful, though, as idling at any time wastes fuel. Just get in, start your car, let it run for about 30 seconds and go. Your car can heat or cool as you drive.
Speaking of cooling
A common myth is that air conditioners waste a lot of gas, but whether or not that's true depends on several factors. If you are driving at low speeds through small towns or school zones, it can be cheaper to turn off the AC and put the windows down. At high speeds, though, having the windows down creates a lot of drag. When on the highway, keep the windows up and turn on the AC in order to improve fuel economy.
Keep your tires properly inflated
According to this article, only one in six vehicles has properly inflated tires. I can most assuredly tell you that my car is not one of them. It's important to check them often, though, because properly inflated tires make driving much safer. They also save on fuel economy – up to 11 cents per gallon, in fact.
Use the accelerator and brakes wisely
Coast whenever possible to avoid using the brakes, but please keep safety in mind to stop when necessary. Accelerating, especially quickly, consumes a lot more fuel than just driving along. You should also be careful about accelerating too slowly, though. This keeps your car in a lower gear longer, and these lower gears use more fuel. According to this article, a good rule of thumb is to accelerate to 50 mph in 15 seconds.
Lose the junk in the trunk
Do you carry useless junk around in the trunk of your vehicle? If so, stop. Note to self: get that mystery box out of the trunk. Keep only emergency supplies and necessities there and get rid of the rest. For every 100 pounds of excess weight, your car loses a mile per gallon in fuel economy. Lighter cars burn less fuel.
What are your tips for saving on fuel? Do you have a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle?
Photo of new gas pump courtesy Upupa4me via Flickr.
Photo of old gas pump courtesy taylor.a via Flickr.
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