Saving on gas is quite a task these days, as so many must travel to places of work and to obtain higher education. The high prices paid at the pump aren’t necessary, however, as there are indeed a few ways that consumers can save money by following a few gas guidelines and tips.

The most common way to save gas is to not use things such air conditioning or heating in a vehicle, as this puts further strain on the engine that leads to higher gas consumption. Interestingly, this isn’t always the case on highways or interstate travel. High drag caused by lowered windows will reduce a car’s ability to be aerodynamic- and thus lower its gas efficiency. Therefore it’s best to use air conditioning at higher speeds.

Fuel efficiency and responsibility go hand in hand in the sense that driving sensibly will lead to better fuel efficiency. Slow acceleration speeds, driving the speed limit (or lower), and braking with self control will all put less strain on engines that would otherwise decrease fuel efficiency performance. This can increase one’s fuel efficiency a few miles per gallon in the long run.

There is another common misconception in the fuel efficiency debate in regards to the grade of a particular type of gasoline. Higher octane ratings are proven to propel a vehicle longer and farther than lower octane ratings, meaning that higher grade fuel should last longer. While this is true, premium fuels are too expensive to get a return on the increased price.

Two other options help dictate gas mileage: weight and tire inflation. Weight, for instance, might be putting extra drag on one’s engine, or even causing a car to be less aerodynamic via a lopsided vehicle. Excess weight can also put more strain on tires, which should always be checked for accurate inflation. A tire that is not properly inflated will always decrease gas mileage considerably.

As a last note, those who live in colder climates or experience cold climates at winter should keep in mind that warming up a car shouldn’t be a lengthy process. While it is nice to warm up a car for 10 minutes in order to get in warm for entry, this wastes gas and is inefficient. Cars should be warmed up for about a minute or two, and then it’s perfectly fine to start driving in colder weather.

Final Thoughts

In the end, getting around the high gas price hikes isn’t going to be easy. But being economical and thrifty on the subject can save consumers quite a bit of money over the years. Until alternative fuels can be found, and renewable “green” sources of energy may be used, following the previously mentioned tips becomes important for both our environment and wallets.