Frugal Habits to Cut the Cost of Driving

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Is it a good idea to let the rent slide this month in order to have enough money for gas to get to work, or would it be better to just pay a small amount on the electric bill? Should you cancel the family health insurance to get money for the fuel to fill the cars, or would it be easier to ask a relative for help? These are not rhetorical questions for many hard working citizens because the exorbitant price of fuel has made it almost impossible for them to fill their tanks to get to their workplaces. Saving on gas has become a matter of survival, and the following ideas could help those who need to stretch their fuel dollars much further:

Drive at a Consistent Pace

Frequent stops and starts cause the vehicle to use more gas. To make the most of fuel, always drive several car lengths behind the vehicle ahead. This will give time for lightly using the brake to prevent complete stops and planning ahead. Using the cruise control in a vehicle is also a proven method for increasing gas mileage.

Research Gas Prices before Leaving Home

Driving from one filling station to another in order to find the cheapest petrol is a waste of time and money. Using the internet to compare the prices of gasoline nearest to one’s home is much more economical. Consider a station that offers a lower price if the purchase is paid in cash. Always remember that it is not worth driving several miles out of the way just to save a penny or two a gallon.

Keep the Vehicle in Tip-top Condition

Vehicles with underinflated tires use more gasoline. Engines that are not properly maintained can also guzzle gas much faster. Some experts recommend changing to synthetic oils to reduce friction, and others say that clean filters and frequent spark plug changes will make a difference in gas mileage. Keeping the fuel injectors clean by adding a cleaner when changing the oil may also help.

Plan All Routes before Hand

Make a list of all errands that can be accomplished on the same trip; then, find the shortest route to get the jobs completed. This can be done either online or by using a GPS. Backtracking or forgetting an errand will result in wasted fuel.

Get Some Exercise

Many people find that using a bike as a method of transport is a pleasant way to stay fit and save some cash. Others prefer to walk when the weather permits. Public transport is also an option for saving gas in some areas, even if it requires walking to the bus stop or depot.

Other good ideas for increasing the efficiency of fuel usage include keeping the gas cap tight to prevent evaporation and taking any unnecessary items out of the trunk to lighten the load. Even luggage racks on the roof of a car can increase the amount of gas needed because of the additional weight. Simply by adopting some new habits and planning ahead, it’s possible to cut your spending on gas and save a few precious dollars each week.

Author Bio: Jane Simpson has changed her driving habits so that she consciously uses less fuel. She writes for a site that has a useful car loan payment calculator that can show the monthly cost of purchasing a new vehicle.