The growing reliance of China and India on gasoline in conjunction with the continued insecurity in the Middle East will probably ensure expensive gas for the foreseeable future. However, the high price of gas doesn’t have to put the squeeze on your wallet.
While the high price of gasoline will is starting to hurt many vehicle owners, it need not be totally unbearable. There are several ways to reduce get better gas mileage, and every one of them helps ease the pain on your wallet a little. Here are some ways to save on car running costs.
One of the most obvious ways to save money at the gas pump is by combining your trips in order to drive less, keeping your tires properly inflated and making sure your car is fully tuned. But there are some less obvious ways to save money, and they can also help reduce your monthly gasoline bill.
Other ways of reducing gas consumption
Don’t buy premium fuel unless you need it. Using premium gas in a car that doesn’t need it is a waste of money – yours. There is nothing to be gained by putting high-octane fuel in a car that doesn’t need it, so check your manual and buy the fuel that your manufacturer recommends.
Keep your gas cap on tightly
Gas evaporates, and it will particularly do so if you have no cap or if you don’t have it on snugly. A certain amount of venting takes place with a properly working cap, but having no cap at all is like pouring gas on the pavement.
Park in the shade
The heat of Summer increases gas evaporation and makes your car work harder to cool off after you start the air conditioner. Whenever possible, park in the shade, to keep your car cooler, save your engine some work and save a bit of gas.
Keep your air filter clean
A clean air filter helps your engine breathe better through better airflow and will reduce your gas consumption. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to replace your air filter each time you change your oil.
All of the above tips will only help to reduce gas consumption slightly, but the effect is cumulative. The more you do to reduce your use of gasoline, the more you will save and all those a little savings add up in the long run.
