subject: Tips For Saving Money When Driving Your Car [print this page] OK, we know the economy has tanked: and the fallout is hitting every segment of society in one way or the other. One of the things we all have in common, no matter how poor or how rich we may be, is our love of driving. Most adults have at least one car at home, and when money is tight, we all look for ways to save cash wherever possible. So, to that end, here are some easy tips for saving money when driving your car.
Don't Scrimp on Oil Changes
Although it may be tempting to think you are saving money by putting off that long-overdue oil change, you are wrong. A car runs better when it's got nice clean oil running through its system. The kind of oil you use makes all the difference too: if you are still using petroleum-based motor oil, consider using synthetic motor oils instead. Here are some ways that synthetics save money:
-- they reduce the wear and tear on engine parts much better than petroleum-based oils, so your engine will perform better and last longer.
--you will experience higher RPMs with better overall gas mileage and better performance. Not only will you save money when you fill up, you'll also require fewer oil changes.
What Grade Are You Using?
When it comes to the fuel grade you put in your tank, you may be overdoing it. Unless you have a high performance car that specifically calls for a certain octane rating, your car will probably do just fine with the lowest grade. The price per gallon difference can be substantial, and over time this will save some major bucks. Insist on buying your fuel from a quality supplier however: there really is a difference among gasoline brands.
How are Your Tires?
Proper tire inflation is not a myth: it really does help you getter better fuel mileage out of your vehicle. Check your tire pressure each and every time you fill up, and you will get more miles out of your tank and you'll be driving safer as well. Don't keep a lot of unnecessary junk in your trunk either: the more your car weighs, the worse the mileage.
Plan Your Trips
This may seem like a no-brainer, but some folks still haven't gotten the message. Driving your car around town on errands uses way more fuel (and therefore costs a whole lot more money) than highway driving. When you have errands to run, try to do them all at once instead of making separate little trips for each: over time, you'll notice a difference in how much you're spending on gas.
The little things really do make a difference: use synthetic oils; reconsider your fuel grade; keep tires inflated; and plan your trips. You can save money while enjoying that most All-American of pleasures: driving.
