8 Ways to Save - Gas and Money

With fuel prices reaching record levels and no end in sight for the increases, here are some ways to reduce your gas consumption and save some money.

Always have your car tuned-up regularly. If you car's engine is in poor operating condition it will use more gasoline. Proper vehicle maintenance will help your engine run more efficiently, improving your car's miles per gallon (MPG) and reducing your expenses. Clean or change congested air and fuel filters to enhance your fuel mileage by as much as 10%.

Maintain a steady rate when driving you car. Frequent stops when driving add to your gas expenditure by as much as 30%. Imagine if you spend $3.50 per gallon, you lose $10.50 for every 10 gallons of gas that you consume. Avoid sudden stops and abrupt increases in speed. Make use of "cruise control" when you are driving on the highway. This will allow you to maintain a steady speed and avoid additional gas consumption.

Another way to keep a steady rate is by avoiding heavy traffic areas, whenever possible. Also avoid unnecessary use of the clutch.

Do not let your engine idle when not driving. Turn off you car's engine when you need to wait for a time longer than a minute. If your car is idle for more that one minute, it uses the same amount of gas that you would use when you are restarting the engine.

Close you car windows when you are driving on the highway. When your windows are closed the aerodynamics are better and it lessens the drag on the vehicle. Gaping windows cause extra friction and reduce your car's mileage.

Minimize the use of air conditioners when it is not necessary. Use your car's vents if possible. If you really need to use your air conditioner, try to set it as low as possible. Do not operate your air conditioner with your car windows open - it uses more gas this way.

Always buy your gas during the cool hours. It is ideal to purchase your fuel early in the morning or during the night. You will acquire extra for your cash during these cooler hours.

Lessen your car's load (dump the junk in the trunk!). The heavier the car, the more gas it will consume.

Check if your tires are inflated properly. Tires with appropriate pressure save fuel better than when under-filled or over-filled with air. Properly inflated tires are also safer and will last longer.

These won't make fuel prices go down but they could help you save a little bit at the pumps.

David Corn is the Independent Business Owner of http://www.BestCarTracker.com For more information about reducing your fuel and insurance expense please visit: http://www.BestCarTracker.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Corn