Are you concerned about the amount of money you spend on gas? If so, you are certainly in good company. Gas prices have many people feeling anxious and wondering what they can do to save at the pump.
There are ways you can cut down on fuel consumption and get better mileage.
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Do not speed
Speeding consumes a good bit of gas and also puts you at risk of getting a costly speeding ticket. Drive more safely and keep to the speed limits. In this way, you can cut down on fuel consumption. Also, when others are speeding past you, just remember how much gas they are using and how you are saving money.
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Do not idle
Your car uses gas when it is idling even though you are getting nowhere. If you happen to be at a railroad crossing when a train is passing, waiting for someone or stopped at an especially long light, turn off the engine and restart the car when you can drive again. It takes less gas to turn the engine on than it does to allow the car to idle for a period of time.
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Use the A/C only when really needed
Another way to save on fuel consumption is to use your car’s air conditioner only when you really need it. Of course, if it is sweltering outside, you will want to turn it on, but if the temperature is not that hot and you are in the habit of using your A/C even when it is not necessary, break the habit now.
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Remove racks from roof when not needed
If you are carrying any type of rack on the roof of your car such as a ski, luggage or bicycle rack, remove it when you do not need to use it. Racks create wind resistance, and it will cost you at the fuel pump. Lessen the wind resistance and you also lessen fuel consumption.
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Lighten the load
Do not get into the habit of leaving things in the back seat of the car or the trunk that will weigh it down. You will use more fuel by carrying around excess baggage. Remember to lighten the load you are hauling, and you will be thankful when you do not need to fill up your car’s gas tank as often.
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Keep your vehicle running efficiently
Do what is necessary to ensure that your car is always operating at its best, including checking the air pressure in your tires, changing air filters when necessary, and getting proper tune ups.
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Economize by driving a smaller vehicle
A compact car will not use the same amount of fuel as a larger vehicle. If you can get by with a smaller car, it will benefit you to own one. If you happen to have more than one vehicle, use the smaller of the two more frequently and save on gas.
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Why not carpool?
Carpooling is a great way to save on fuel. You can arrange carpools for work and also for the kids to get back and forth to school.
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Have a secure fuel cap
Make certain that your fuel cap fits securely or you can lose gas due to evaporation.
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Drive more smoothly
Rapid accelerations and hard braking are not good options for saving on gas. If you drive more smoothly, including more gradual accelerations and deceleration, you can lessen your fuel consumption.
There are a number of ways you can cut down on gas usage and save money at the fuel pump. Try the options listed above and end up with more cash.