8 Awesome Gas Hacks To Save Money
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 the higher prices, put some pressure on our budgets. They also force us to dig deeper into our pockets so we can keep driving our cars.
Given the overall importance of cars in our lives, we just have to find a way out of these higher costs. To better navigate this situation, you need to equip yourself with a few cheats. We’ve rounded up some of the top eight awesome hacks you can do if you ever hope to spend as little on gas as possible.
1. Schedule 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 sell for the lowest possible amounts. 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 make every effort to purchase your gas supply at such times.
On the contrary, prices rise on weekends, in festive seasons and on holidays. This is because the demand for gas 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 integrated radio, screens, music players, speakers, GPRS, Wi-Fi, and indeed more. All of these features compete for the underpowered engine to operate.
As part of your effort to save money on gas, you may want to reduce your use of these additional features. Run them for 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 make sure that you save some engine power and of course spend less on gas in the process.
3. Drive slowly at all times
Consider reducing your driving speed. Study after study has found, almost without exception, that less gas is consumed when you drive more slowly. The logic is simple, the engine burns less fuel at lower speeds than at higher speeds.
Furthermore, it also gives your engine enough time to fully burn the 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 the added benefit of lowering gas costs in the long run.
Bonus tip: You are strongly encouraged to drive at speeds less than 50 mph. This is quite comfortable and saves fuel.
4. Shut off the engine at idle
While driving in crowded and congested cities and towns, from time to time you will have to stop, either at a zebra crossing, or when the light is red or you are in traffic. Most motorists leave their engines running at these times. The engine still consumes a certain amount of fuel at those times. The buildup of spent gas can be devastating, especially if the trend continues unabated for quite some time.
This is the reason why you are strongly advised to turn off your engines when idling. Doing so reduces gas waste and thereby results in greater savings on your end.
5. Inflate your tires
Have you ever tried to ride a bike on flat tires? That’s exactly what happens when you drive with low tire pressure or flat tires. It takes a lot of effort and engine power to generate the necessary torque. This extra effort translates into higher fuel economy, which also means spending more money overall.
To avoid this problem, it is recommended that you inflate your tires to maximum pressure at all times. Fully pressurized tires give you a smoother ride, require less torque to turn, are easier to engage, and ultimately demand less money on your part.
Bonus tip: The recommended tire pressure for your car 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, according to the manufacturer’s wisdom, works best for your car’s engine. Therefore, you should try your best to only use 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.
Other than that, there are a few factors to consider while looking for the right oil for your car. The one on the right must contain the API Performance Symbol and must be clearly labeled “Energy Conservation.”
7. Tune up 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 resolve this issue, 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 your power output, extends your life and overall performance. It saves you a lot of fuel costs over time. The US Department of Energy postulates that tuning up your engine regularly 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 transport themselves from one point to another. This extra force translates into more fuel economy, which also means more money on your part.
To reduce gas costs, you may want to reduce charging or cargo on board. Reducing excess load accomplishes the exact opposite. You save gasoline by burning less fuel to generate the rotational force necessary to transport them from one point to another. This, in turn, requires less money on your part in the form of fuel expenses.
There you go! You have the luxury of choosing from a variety of above hacks to save money on gas. Since gas costs make up a significant part of household expenses, it’s in your best interest to implement these hacks as soon as possible. Why don’t you consider doing it right now?
