How To Save On Gas Usage As Gas Prices Keep Going Higher

As I write this article oil prices are near $100 a barrel and the price for a gallon of 87 octane gas where I live in Northwest Florida just went to $3.05 per gallon! Since I drive a Nissan Titan Crew Cab and don't get the greatest gas mileage I am a little agitated. Here are some things that you can do to help reduce the consumption of gasoline with your vehicle.

One of the biggest culprits contributing to poor fuel economy is lack of regular maintenance. It is crucial to keep your car tuned up regularly so that it will make the most efficient use of the fuel. Another maintenance item that contributes to bad fuel economy is dirty air filters which can reduce your mileage by ten percent or more.

You need to avoid jackrabbit starts and stops as well, keeping a steady rate of speed when driving can help you avoid wasting as much as a third of the fuel you are using. At the current gas prices you could save nine dollars for every ten gallons of gas. If you have cruise control on your vehicle, use it to keep your driving steady and save gas.

If you have alternate routes you can take that are less trafficked than your normal one use them to avoid the stops and starts. You should also keep from using the clutch excessively.

One thing many people don't think about is how temperature affects your gas usage, buying your fuel in the morning hours or late at night will help you get more for your money when fueling up.

If you are on the highway you should keep your windows rolled up to avoid wind drag. This is another big waster of gasoline. The friction or drag that occurs when your windows are down completely goes against any aerodynamic styling your car may have.

The operation of the air conditioning is another thing that is a major fuel waster, if it is at all possible you should only use the AC when absolutely necessary. If you must use it do so sparingly and at the lowest settings in order to get the best fuel economy.

If your wait time is going to be longer than a minute or so turn the engine off. If you let your engine idle more than that you are using more fuel than restarting the car would. This is another big fuel burner that many people don't think about.

f you have Jimmy Hoffa in your drunk, dump him. Seriously, if you have a lot of unnecessary stuff in your car get rid of it. Excessive weight can also waste gas at a much higher rate.

Keep your tires at the proper and recommended levels for your vehicle to get the best fuel economy. If your tires are under inflated or over inflated it will make a difference in fuel usage.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about sports cars as well as car care products at http://www.5starshine.com


By Gregg Hall