Gas Saving Tips

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

…on the highway helps you maintain constant speed and will save gas. It may also be feasible in some rural areas where the largest fuel savings will be earned.

Combining errands into one trip saves time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm

If possible, stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours, you spend less time sitting in traffic and consume less fuel. (Note the “cruise control” tip above, also.)

We all know a roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the vehicle whenever possible.

Remove all extra weight from your vehicle not absolutely needed. Carrying extra weight uses more gas. Put those golf clubs away in the house until you’ll really need them!

Remember science class? When it’s colder, gasoline molecular structure will condense. You are paying for volume, not weight. You actually get more fuel for the same price in the early morning than in late afternoon. It’s a negligible amount, yes, but every drop counts these days, don’t they?

It’s not always cheaper to buy that 2nd car just to get better gas mileage. Remember to factor in the additional cost of insurance, maintenance and depreciation. Trading in your older vehicle to purchase a newer, higher gas mileage vehicle may seem like a wise decision, but before you do, check out the gas mileage chart on the bottom of our home page. Most people don’t realize that there is a declining benefit to high gas mileage vehicles (see our MPG Chart) .