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10 Ways to Reduce Your Fuel Costs, NOW!
Here are ways to reduce your fuel costs in your vehicle.
Purchase Fuel Wisely - Save up to 20%
- Use the Right Grade of Gasoline / Don't Top Off:
Most cars run fine on regular. Check your vehicle
owner's manual to find out what's right for your
car. (See
regular vs. premium.) Don't "top off" at the
pump and make sure your fuel fill cap is on tight
and working right. Regular grade fuel cost about
20-cents per gallon less than premium grade.
- Look for the Best Price / Limit Purchases When
Prices are High: Today's gasolines provide very
similar engine performance (although some brands
have different gasoline blends that provide other
benefits), so choose stations in your area with the
lowest prices. Fuel prices can vary 10% within a few
blocks. Avoid filling the tank during high-price
periods.
Alter Travel Practices - Save up to 30%
- Use Carpooling / Public Transit / Non-Motorized
Options: Ride the bus, carpool, bicycle or walk
instead of driving alone. Sharing a ride to work
with a friend or two effectively doubles your fuel
economy for the trip and may allow you to use the
diamond lane.
- Take Advantage of Telecommuting /
Telecommunications Technology: Many employers offer
telecommuting as an option. Use the computer and
telephone to replace vehicle trips for business,
shopping and services when possible.
Drive More Efficiently - Save up to 20%
- Don't Drive Aggressively / Drive at the Speed
Limit: Avoid aggressive driving and aggressive
starts. All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds
above 55 mph. Driving 65 instead of 75 mph reduces
fuel cost 13%. Driving 55 would save 25%.
- Reduce Air Conditioner Use / Close Windows:
Using the air conditioner increases fuel cost from
13% up to 21%. If it's cool enough, use the
flow-through ventilation instead of rolling down the
windows or using the AC.
- Eliminate Extra Wind Resistance and Weight:
Using a loaded roof rack increases fuel consumption.
Carry the load inside your vehicle if you can.
Removing unnecessary weight is better still.
- Minimize Vehicle Idling: Today's vehicles are
designed to warm up fast. Avoid idling when you can;
idling is 0 miles per gallon.
Improve the Efficiency of the Vehicle You
Drive - save up to 50%
- Maintain Vehicle Efficiency: Regular maintenance
as prescribed by the vehicle owner's manual will
help your vehicle achieve its best fuel economy.
Some overlooked maintenance items, such as a dirty
air filter and under-inflated tires, can increase
your fuel cost up to 13%. When replacing your tires,
replace them with the same make and model as the
tires that were on your vehicle when it was new.
It's been estimated that if all Californians
properly inflated and aligned their tires, we'd save
300 million gallons of gasoline a year!
- Drive or Purchase a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle:
Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle whenever
possible. When purchasing, consider the most fuel
efficient vehicle and save up to 50%. Consider a
hybrid-electric, a diesel vehicle, or even a
motorcycle. The next best option is to purchase the
most fuel efficient vehicle within the class of
vehicles you are considering.
Related Articles
Final Word on Gasoline-Saving Devices
Please also be aware that many companies will try to
sell you mileage improving devices. Some claim that they
will save you 10 to 50%. We say, "Let the Buyer Beware!
The U.S. EPA and Federal Trade Commission have both said
that there are no devices that will boost your mileage
any appreciable amount.
Please see our web page for Energy Myths on
Gasoline-Saving Products. |
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