Summer Gas Saving Tips Part 1

Wit summer time finally here many people are planning on picking up the car and going on a long vacation. Of course, with gas prices extremely high those same people are looking for ways to save money and reduce gasoline costs as much as possible. With that in mind with put together a three-part series of blogs on some of the best gas saving tips that we know of. Enjoy and have an excellent vacation!

Here are a few questions that you need to answer before you even start your car’s engine.

1. When was the last time you had your car tuned? A car that’s out of tune can use up to 20% more fuel so make sure that, before you head out on the road to Disneyland, the Grand Canyon or wherever else your summer travel plans may take you, you bring your car in to your local garage and have them check everything out.
2. When your car is being tuned, ask your mechanic to check for problems with your suspension, your chassis and your front end alignment. Shocks that are old and worn, broken springs, wheels or axles and other problems such as these cannot only cause your car to be unsafe at high speeds but will also cause it to use more gasoline.
3. Your car’s air filter is incredibly vital not only to the health of the car itself but also to the amount of gasoline that you use. If it’s clogged with bugs, dust dirt and other debris it will cause your engine to work much harder and lower your fuel-efficient efficiency. Having it checked and, if needed, replaced before you leave is an excellent idea.
4. In many cases you can improve your cars mpg by improving the type of motor oil that you’re using. When you’re having your car serviced ask your mechanic what type of oil is best for the type of car that you have, this can actually save you upwards of 5% on your fuel usage.
5. Summer means long, hot days and, if your car is going to be sitting in the sun, you’re going to use a lot more energy when you get in and start up your air-conditioning. With that in mind it’s a good idea to get a windshield shade to help block out some of that sun, reduce the heat in your car and reduce the amount of air-conditioning that you need.
6. Many people fill their car’s gas tank to the very top but not only is this not a good idea, you can waste fuel from spillage and the extra weight will lower your MPG. Better to fill it halfway or three quarters and make a couple of extra stops along the way. (The kids are going to need the bathroom breaks anyway.)
7. Unless your cards manufacturer recommends something higher, use regular octane gasoline and save money.
8. After selling your car’s tank, it’s vital that you make sure that the gas Is tightened correctly so that gas won’t evaporate or spill. Indeed, loose, damaged or missing gas caps are to blame for the loss of literally millions of gallons of gasoline every year.
9. Waiting until your car’s gas tank is almost empty to fill it again is an excellent idea as you’re going to be hauling a lighter load and extending your MPG. Many people believe that this is an unwise choice as sediment in your tank may get sucked into your fuel intake system and damage your car’s engine. Unless your car is extremely old the chance of this happening is practically nil.
10. There are plenty of gas stations that offer credit cards with rewards as well as some department and grocery stores. If you don’t have one, and you’re the type of person that pays off their credit cards every month in full, you may wish to consider getting one and saving a few extra pennies per gallon.
11. If you’re the type of person that always goes for the best brands, you may wish to change your habits when it comes to purchasing gasoline. The fact is, all of them use the same refineries, the same trucks and the same pipelines to produce and transport their product. When it comes to gasoline, find the cheapest gas station and by your guest there.
12. Never buy your gasoline from a gas station that is located right along the highway. Travel a few extra miles into town and you’ll find that the gas there is usually 10 to 12% cheaper.
13. On the other hand, if you are in the city (any city) and your need of gas, purchasing it from the nearest gas station is your best bet as driving around in stop and go traffic will certainly negate any savings that you might have by finding a station that’s a little bit cheaper.

We hope that you enjoyed part one of our three-part blog series on gas saving tips. Using these tips will definitely save you a good bit of gas and money and, when you have a moment, coming back for part two and part three will save you even more. See you then.