10 Very Useful Gas Saving Tips You May Not Be Aware Of

Saving money is very essential to almost everyone. Cutting our expenses would be one of the best ways to have more cash to spend on other things.

Transportation is one of the essential things in our daily life. If you own a car, definitely you will be driving your way to go to places like work, school and a lot more.

In this case, you might need to know this information that would definitely cut your gas consumption and seal some holes in your pocket.

#1. Don't drive too fast

Unfortunately for those who love to drive fast, driving beyond your car's optimal speed limit will cost you more gas. Most cars reach its optimal speed around 55-60 mph (88.5-96.5kph).

Beyond this point you will consume more fuel. Why? Two reasons, one is you need to consume more gas to get your engine rolling faster and the other reason is that the faster you go, the more wind resistance to your car and rolling resistance to your wheels. The trick here is to play within your optimal speed limit. So it’s more on how you use your pedals when driving.

#2. RPM should be kept low

Are you familiar with tachometer? If not, it’s best to be informed about its use. It measures the speed of the rotation of your car's crankshaft which gives power to your car.

The faster your RPM rotates the more fuel it consumes. For manual car users, know when to change gears. Think about this: Car A is driving at 80mph at 4000rpm while Car B is 80mph at 2000rpm. Between the two, Car B saves more fuel.

#3. Regularly change your oil

Oil ages too. It breaks down when it gets old. The sludge is a byproduct of the braking down of oil.

This sludge interferes with the smooth motor function as it block the passageway of oil. At the same time, your engine will get less lubrication thus making its function less efficient at the same time will consume more fuel to compensate with the demand in performance.

#4. Turn your engine off when idle

It actually varies among vehicles, every 10 minutes of your car being idle it consumes 100ml-400ml of fuel.

Idling also promotes fuel residue buildup due to incomplete combustion of fuel during idle times. This residue would affect the lubrication of your engine and would have the same effect with number 3 of this article.

#5. Stop tailgating

In motor sport they call this "drafting". Although this is true for racing because when you draft or tail-gait you decrease the wind resistance by having the car in front of you as a shield.

Remember when you are city driving, you will not feel much difference in fuel efficiency as you will not be driving too fast and at the same time this will not allow you to move freely on the road. Lastly, it is risky and dangerous to do this.

#6. Drive with windows closed

Modern cars are relatively designed to be aerodynamic. Meaning, it allows air to pass with minimum resistance.

Breaking this design by opening or rolling down the windows would allow air to come inside the car as a result, there will be wind resistance decreasing fuel efficiency. A good illustration of this is a parachute. Once you release your parachute when skydiving there will be wind resistance on it and would make your fall slower.

#7. Keep your tires well inflated

Underinflated tires increases tire resistance. Increase in this resistance will not maximize the gas you are burning.

The ideal tire pressure depends on the manufacturer of your vehicle. You may look for it in your car manual. Usually it is between 30psi to 35psi. It is recommended to check your tires every 30 days or every 10 degree shift in temperature.

#8. Use cruise control

Each vehicle has its own optimum speed. Be sure to know how much speed you need for you to maximize your gas consumption. Then use your cruise control to maintain the speed when driving.

Having this done would keep you from speeding or lowing too much outside your optimum speed.

#9. Regularly monitor and change your air filters

Air is necessary for the smooth burning of gas in your engine. Air combines with gas and would make energy spark that runs your wheels. Air filters make sure that you have clean air coming in.

In time, this air filters gets clogged and gives the engine less air to mix with the gas. To compensate with the demand in air, your motor work harder and would consume more fuel in the process.

#10. Time your stops and traffic lights

Running your car from full stop would cost you more gas. When driving, be alert with the traffic signals. When approaching a red traffic light it’s better to estimate when it will turn green. Seeing red light from afar you may want to slow down a bit so you need not to fully stop your car when it turns green upon reaching it.

 

Knowing these 10 tips would help you. It may not make you wealthy but it will surely help you save a lot. Use these and feel the difference in your gas tank and pocket.

Have fun. Drive safe and save more.

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