25 Gas Saving Tips

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1. Only use the air condition when traveling over 50 mph. The wind resistance caused by open windows creates worse gas mileage than the air condition at this speed. However, at lower speeds, the windows down will be the better alternative.

2. Avoid warming up your engine for an extended period of time. A minute of warming up is plenty of time, even on cold mornings. If there is ice on the windshield, an ice-scraper is more cost-effective than waiting for the defrosters.

3. No unnecessary idling. You can expect 0 miles per gallon when your car is idling. Common examples of this are waiting in the parking lot of a shopping center while someone runs inside, or waiting for the kids to get out of school, or even just sitting in the car talking.

4. Combine Trips. Traveling all around town in one swoop will most likely require fewer miles than running all the errands separately. Do not drive 25 miles across town for something than can wait a few days.

5. Eliminate quick starts offs. Accelerate slowly when starting from a stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4th of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

6. Use cruise control or drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. The more stable the engine, the more efficiently it will use the fuel.

7. Buy gas in the morning. Buying gasoline during the coldest part of the day may increase gas mileage, as gas is most dense at that time.

8. Do your research on the different brands of gasoline. Some brands will yield more quality than others, especially if your car requires premium.

9. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

10. Lighten your load. Don't store unnecessary things in your vehicle, especially heavy items. An additional 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce miles per gallon up to 2%, depending on the size of your car.

11. Do not drive fast! While all cars have different optimal speeds, the average car loses gas mileage over 60 mph. Every 5 mph over 60 will reduce gas mileage by about 7%.

12. Remove snow tires. Do not drive snow tires during the summer, as they increase friction with the road and decrease gas mileage.

13. Traveling fast in lower gears is even worse. Up to 45% more fuel may be required for improper shifting.

14. Avoid the first gas station you see. More often than not, the first gas station off the highway will have higher prices than a mile or two into town.

15. Keep your windows up when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by around 10%. Only lower the windows when driving around town.

16. Be mindful of upcoming hills when driving. Accelerate before reaching the hill, not when you are halfway up.

17. Choose the path of least resistance. Smooth roads will always attain better gas mileage than bumpy or gravel roads, sometimes up to 30%

18. The closest distance between two points is a straight line: avoid constant lane changing and curvy roads when possible.

19. Take the quickest route. Choose the shortest and safest route when possible to reduce the number of miles your car travels, especially on longer trips.

20. Put in neutral during long waits. If you have an automatic transmission, place the car in neutral when at a long stoplight or railroad crossing. This allows the engine to idle lower.

21. Have regular tune-ups. Check the owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters because diminished air flow increases gas waste.

22. Only fill up when empty. Gas is heavy, and the more of it you have in your car will weigh it down. Fill up when less than a quarter-tank, unless otherwise necessary.

23. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round.

24. Take turns driving. Car pool when practical to divide the fuel-cost burden between multiple drivers

25. Take a walk. If your destination is close enough, trying taking a walk or riding a bicycle instead. It's free transportation and good exercise.

We hope these 25 tips will help save you at least a few dollars on your gas budget. If you have any more ideas, please let us know and we will add them to the list!!