Saving Money on Gasoline August 6
Saving money on gasoline has become more critical than ever, as millions of Americans try to cut back on expenses and deal with the unexpectedly high prices of fuel.
Now – with saber-rattling in the Middle East, a protracted war in Iraq, and unprecedented consumption of energy by rapidly developing countries like India and China and their tremendous populations – prices remain around $4 per gallon. Experts predict that the price of a barrel of oil – which hit $150 recently – could surge over $200, and that might send gas prices into the $5-$7 range.
Here are three ways to save gas and spend less at the pump:
- Auto experts tell us that the easiest and most effective way to save on gas is to keep tires properly inflated according to the tire manufacturer’s recommendations. When tires have too little air they slow down driving and waste gas, and when they are inflated too much they reduce traction and performance. Check tires every few days, keep them properly inflated, and save money without having to spend anything.
- Another cheap and easy path to savings is to drive a little slower on the highway. When speed limits on interstate highways, for example, were capped at 55 miles per hour, Americans saved millions of gallons of fuel. Now that they are as high as 70, cars go faster but burn fuel less efficiently. Stay in the slow lane, drive around 55, and you’ll automatically save money.
- In city traffic, avoid acceleration. When approaching a stop sign, for instance, start slowing down ahead of time to gradually reduce speed. When starting off from a stop, accelerate gradually, not fast, and the engine with consume less gas.
While driving less aggressively saves gas, it is also safer and usually better for the car and its engine. So adjusting driving styles to be more economical can pay off in many ways with multiple benefits.