Some Easy To Implement Ideas To Help You Conserve Gas

By Gregg Hall

SUMMARY: Looking for ways to save money at the pump in light of the climbing costs of gasoline? It's surprisingly easy to do so. Check out these simple things you can do to make your car's gas last longer.

Looking for ways to save money at the pump in light of the climbing costs of gasoline? It's surprisingly easy to do so. Check out these simple things you can do to make your car's gas last longer.

Stop driving your sport utility vehicle. These vehicles, and others similar in size (including trucks), require quite a bit more fuel than smaller cars do to operate. Unless a larger car is a necessity for your lifestyle,(you have big family or you tend to carry large items), driving a smaller one can help you save big at the pump.

Look for discounts on gas. Don't just stop at the first station you see when your fuel gage is low. Pricing varies and you should pick the station that gives you the best price possible. Use the Internet to check for deals, like web sites that provide current gas prices by zip code.

Be efficient in your daily routine. Know where you need to go and what you need to do before heading out to accomplish your tasks. Planning more carefully and eliminating unnecessary, additional trips can help you save on how much gas you use when making multiple stops.

Exercise or try public transportation. Are there places you need to go that are close enough to walk instead of drive? Will your bike suffice for slightly longer distances? Can your children ride the bus to school rather than be chauffeured twice a day, (to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon)? These alternatives are great ways to save money on the cost of gas.

Cash is key at the pump. It may not be quite as convenient as the popular paying at the pump option is, but using cash makes the most sense to use when fueling up your car. If you use a credit card, and don't pay it off every month, interest charges will ultimately make your gas more expensive than what it would have been had you paid in cash.

Fill up early or wait until late. Gas pumps measure volume, not weight. Since it tends to be cooler early in the morning or later in the evening, gas is actually heavier then that it is during other times in the day. The colder it is outside, the more gas you'll get for your money.

Empty the gas nozzle before returning it to the cradle. Often, there is still gas in the pump's nozzle when the automatic shut off, indicating your tank is full, occurs. Turn the nozzle after the stop occurs to add more gas (sometimes up to half a cup) to your car.

Use a lower grade of gas. Does your car really need that pricey high octane gas? Most vehicles will function just as well with a lower level fuel and at a cost that's significantly less.