Even though gas prices have gone down, the economy sure hasn’t made us feel any better about spending money. The folks at Farmers’ Almanac suggests some easy-to-follow tips that can cut your gas usage and save you a few dollars whether you’re headed on a family vacation or taking a routine car trip.
- Avoid fast acceleration. Easy does it and a steady pace are best.
- Obey speed limits. Driving too fast or too slow can waste gas.
- Don’t warm up your car – just start it and go. The engine will warm up faster while driving.
- Don’t leave a car on when running into a store, even for a short time. Idling wastes a quart of gas every 15 minutes.
- Empty your trunk or truck bed. Every 200 pounds of unnecessary weight reduces mileage by one mile per gallon.
- Keep your tires inflated to correct pressures.
- Buy gasoline during the coolest times of the day – early morning or late evening. Gasoline is densest during these periods.
- Use cruise control whenever possible. This will decrease gas use by 5 to 10 percent on long trips.
- Walk or ride a bike when possible.
- Maintain your car with regular service checkups. A well-serviced vehicle can stretch your gas mileage by 15 percent.
- Walk or ride a bike when possible.
- Maintain your car with regular service checkups. A well-serviced vehicle can stretch your gas mileage by 15 percent.
