subject: Conserving Gas [print this page] The cost of gas does not look like it will be decreasing soon. Your budget can have a major difference if you cut gas costs. Unless your vehicle requires premium fuel, use the lowest octane you can. Changing air filters, spark plus, and keeping up the tire pressure can help you conserve gas. There are also other steps, but they could easily be overlooked.
First Step:
Keep your vehicle cleaned out. Extra weight will make your engine work harder in hot months. In colder months, this may not be an issue. During Summer months, carry only what you need. The vehicle will consume more gas if it has to work harder. Also, bigger vehicles burn more gas. The engine must work harder to get it down the road. If you're carrying non-essentials in your vehicle, you should remove it. It may be boxes or skis or power tools or anything that is unnecessary to carry around on a daily basis in your vehicle.
Step Number Two:
Not using your vehicle at all isn't necessary, but you could always shorten your trips. Instead of going to the store for one or two items, make a list and wait until it's necessary. Try to combine your list of errands to get them done in one trip.
Decide which of your vehicles are necessary for each trip. Use the smallest vehicle if you don't need much trunk space.
The time of day also makes a difference in gas mileage. If you are constantly hitting rush hour traffic traveling back and forth because of work you might consider approaching your employer to see if your work times might be different so that you miss the heavy traffic times. If this isn't an option, leave an hour early and use the time for coffee. Not only does the constant stopping and starting of rush hour traffic use unnecessary gas but idling in your vehicle uses up your fuel. Instead of sitting in a drive thru, park and go inside.
