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Gas prices continue to fluctuate quite frequently. They are also generally higher than most utility bills that we have to pay on a regular basis. These constant fluctuations, combined with higher prices, put some pressure on our budgets. They also force us to dig deeper into our pockets in order to keep driving our cars.
Given the general importance of cars in our lives, we just have to find a way out of these higher costs. To better navigate this situation, you should equip yourself with a few tricks. We’ve rounded up some of the top eight awesome hacks you can do if you’re ever hoping to spend as little as possible on gas.
1. Time your purchase appropriately
Be wise. Gas prices fluctuate from time to time. Therefore, you should time your purchase to coincide with those times when they are selling for the least amount possible. Generally speaking, gasoline is cheaper in the mornings and on weekdays. This is because the demand for gas at those times is generally lower. Therefore, you should do your best to purchase your gas supply at those times.
On the contrary, prices go up on weekends, in festive seasons and on holidays. This is because gas demand is at its peak during these times. Therefore, you should avoid these times as much as possible.
2. Minimize the use of internal car functions and systems
The typical modern car is packed with tons of features. Among these are built-in radio, displays, music players, speakers, GPRS, Wi-Fi, and indeed more. All of these features compete for scant engine power to operate.
As part of your effort to save money on gas, you may want to reduce your use of these additional features. Turn them on as long as possible and only turn them on when you absolutely have to use them.
As a long-term measure, you may also consider replacing those features with other devices. For example, you may want to use your phone to play music while driving instead of the car’s built-in audio system. This will ensure that you save some engine power and of course spend less on gas in the process.
3. Drive slowly all the time
Consider reducing your driving speed. Study after study has found, almost without exception, that you use less gas when you drive more slowly. The logic is simple, the engine burns less fuel at lower speeds than at higher speeds.
Additionally, it also gives your engine enough time to fully burn fuel when you are driving slowly rather than when you are driving at higher speeds. This increases the fuel efficiency of your engine. It also brings with it the added benefit of lowering gas costs in the long run.
Bonus tip: You are strongly advised to drive at speeds below 50 mph. This is quite comfortable and saves fuel.
4. Turn off the engine at idle
While driving in crowded and congested cities and towns, from time to time you will have to stop, be it at a zebra crossing, or when the traffic light is red or you are in a traffic jam. Most motorists leave their engines running at these times. The engine still consumes a certain amount of fuel at these times. The buildup of used gas can be devastating, especially if the trend continues unabated for quite some time.
This is why it is strongly recommended that you turn off the motors when idle. Doing so reduces wasted gas and thus further savings on your part.
5. Inflate your tires
Have you ever tried to ride a bike with flat tires? That’s exactly what happens when you drive with low tire pressure or flat tires. It needs a lot of effort and power from the engine to generate the necessary torque. This extra effort translates to higher fuel consumption, which also means spending more money overall.
To avoid this problem, it is recommended to inflate the tires to full pressure at all times. Fully pressurized tires give you a smoother ride, require less torque to turn, are easier to engage, and ultimately require less money from you.
Bonus tip: The recommended pressure for your car tires is 30 to 35 pounds per square inch.
6. Use only recommended oil
Each car has an oil recommended by the corresponding manufacturer. This is the oil that, in the wisdom of the manufacturer, works best for your car’s engine. Therefore, you should try your best to use only this oil at all times. In case it is not available in your area, or you do not have the means to acquire it, settle for the closest variation.
Aside from that, there are a few factors to consider while looking for the right oil for your car. The one on the right should contain the API performance symbol and should be clearly labeled “Energy Conservation”.
7. Tune your engine from time to time
Over time, engine pistons become misaligned and largely ineffective. If and when this happens, fuel consumption increases and the cost of gasoline increases. To solve this problem, you may want to tune up your engine from time to time.
Basically it is about adjusting and modifying the internal combustion chamber or its control unit. Doing this increases fuel efficiency, increases its power output, extends its life and overall performance. It saves you a lot of fuel costs over time. The US Department of Energy posits that regularly tuning your engine saves you a whopping 4% in fuel costs.
8. Reduce loads or load
Too much cargo on board puts a lot of pressure on the tires and the engine. Subsequently, they require a lot of effort and rotational force to be transported from one point to another. This extra force translates to higher fuel consumption, which also means more money for you.
To reduce gas costs, you may want to reduce cargo or on-board charging. Reducing the excess load accomplishes the exact opposite. You save gasoline by burning less fuel to generate the rotational force needed to transport them from one point to another. This, in turn, requires less money on your part in the form of fuel costs.
There you go! You have the luxury of choosing from a variety of the above tricks to save money on gas. Since gas costs make up a significant portion of household expenses, it’s in your best interest to implement these tricks as soon as possible. Why don’t you consider doing it right now?