10 Tips on How to Save Money on Gas

By: Jackie Stewart

1. Using gas credit cards saves money on gas

Using a gas company credit card where you can get a 5 to 10% rebate on the purchase of your gas will save you between $75 and $300 per year on your gas. Get a card for each driver in your household.

2. Purchase your gas in the morning or evening saves money on gas

Gas is denser at colder temperatures. Because gas pumps measure volume if the gas is denser you are getting more gas if the gas is denser. I know you did not want a science lesson. Just trust me on this one. You get more gas if the temperature is colder.

3. Using the Internet to find the best gas prices saves money on gas

I use the Internet to find the lowest gas prices. A couple of cents per gallon can make a difference in your pocket book. My favorite site for this research is www.gasbuddy.com.

This site give you the best prices in your area. Gas prices in your area can range as much as 20%. That is a huge difference over time.

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4. Purchasing your gas from a busy gas station saves money on gas

A busy gas station means that the gas never gets stale in the tank. This means better fuel economy for you. Pretty simple yet something most people don�t think about.

4. Turn the nozzle when you are through pumping saves money on gas

Did you know that when you are through pumping that there is between a half of a cup and a cup worth of gas left in the nozzle. If you turn the nozzle 180 degrees when you are through pumping you will get this extra gas an not the next customer.

You might say that a half a cup to a cup of gas is not much, yet over time this really adds up.

5. Topping off your tank after you pump your gas wastes money on gas

The gas pump takes time to activate. If you top off you are spending money, yet the gas is not up to full speed. You are spending more per gallon on this gas. Short burst at the pump mean more money out of your pocket.

The best time to fill up your gas tank is when you have half a tank or less left in your vehicle, or when you find a gas price that you just can�t afford to miss.

6. A well tuned car saves gas

According to fueleconomy.gov a well tuned car can save you as much as 10 to 20% in gas. It will also increase your gas mileage by up to 4.1%
Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml

The lights on your dashboard tell you something about what may be wrong with your car. Make sure you get your car checked as soon as possible.

Get a tune up at least once a year.

7. A clean air filter saves gas

FuelEconomy.com studies suggests you replace your air filter on a regular basis. Changing your air filter can save you as much as 10% on your fuel economy, which is around 25 to 30 cents per gallon of gas. Every six months is ideal for changing your air filter. In a new car once a year will do it.

8. A clean fuel filter saves gas

Even the best gas has some impurities especially if you have purchased gas close to the time that the large tanks were filled at your local gas station. This clogs up your fuel filter and makes your car run less efficiently. Replace your fuel filter at least once a year and you will save money on your gas.

9. Rotating tires saves money on gas

When you rotate your tires and keep them at the correct pressure you will also save money on gas and your tires. If you get your new tires at the right company they will rotate your tires for free.
Tires that are showing uneven wear or signs of balding need to be replaced because you will get better gas mileage.

10. Aligned tires saves money on gas

Keeping your tires aligned will save on your gas mileage and make your tires last longer. This is a win/win all around. If let go of the steering wheel and your car does not drive perfectly straight get it checked.

Other Driving Tips

� Use a sunshade in the summertime when you are out of the car, to keep your car cool and reduce your need for the air conditioner.
� Park in the shade when it's warm and in the sun when it is cold.
� Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
� Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine if you live in the north.
� Don't ride the brake. Drive with a smooth, constant speed.
� Keep the transmission fluid, and other fluids in your car at the proper level.
� If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
� Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
� Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
� When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off.
� If you can�t find a place to buy low priced gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing.
� Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco, or a Kroger. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy that brand of gas.
Helpful Links.

These websites are a great place for you to find more information about how to save money at the gas pump:

� Another gas pricing site. http://www.gaspricewatch.com/usgas_index.asp
� Hot new hybrid cars. http://www.about.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/101677/article.html
� Determine how much in fuel and fuel costs a trip will cost you. http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/
� Advanced engine performance in new model cars. http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/200_ice/fact_sheets.html
� Save money on car expenses. http://www.askmen.com/toys/cars/30_car_review.html
� Fuel consumption calculator.
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/tools/fuel-trip-calculator/fuel-calculator-input.cfm?attr=8
� Understanding fuel economy ratings. http://www.autorepair.about.com/library/weekly/aa021251b.htm
� Gas tips for Canadians. http://www.gastips.com/
� Car tune-up information. http://www.autoeducation.com/ask_the_mechanic/answer5.htm
� Information about octane gas. http://www.autorepair.about.com/od/generalinfo/a/aa060504a.htm
� General information about your vehicle and gas consumption. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

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