No motorist wants to spend more on gasoline than they absolutely have to. At the same time, we don’t enjoy having to make sacrifices just to make ends meet. By applying some effective cost-saving methods to our driving habits, we can get the best of both worlds by being able to drive without putting as many dollars in our gas tanks.
Fill Up Early or Late in the Day, and Early in the Week
Many drivers don’t consider the influence a fuel’s temperature will have on their vehicle’s consumption rate. As temperatures rise throughout the day, gas density lowers and as a result, you’ll not get as much out of your hard-earned dollars by filling up at noon. Gasoline with a cooler temperature is denser, and you’ll be able to save money as a result. Gas prices typically are lowest during the beginning of the week, so try to fill up between Sunday and Tuesday early in the morning or later in the day to get the very most out of the gasoline you buy.
Keep an Eye on Your Fuel Filter and Tank Level
Your vehicle’s fuel filter is a vital and highly useful component that serves as the lifeline of your engine. Not only does it work to keep your fuel lines and engine clean and in working order, but it also acts as a barrier for unwanted debris and sediment. If you live in a rural or dusty area, checking your filter for cleanliness is an important step to take. Dirty or clogged fuel filters are less effective and will waste useful gas, and they will also endanger the overall long-term health of your engine and fuel lines. Incidentally, don’t wait until your tank is nearly empty before filling up. Driving on low speeds up the dirtying of your filter, as your vehicle has no choice but to rely on sediment-rich gas at the bottom of the tank.
Maintain an Aerodynamic Profile
Stuffing your vehicle with belongings or adding attachments such as roof racks increases it’s weight. As a result, the vehicle has to push itself harder and consume more gasoline to reach intended speeds. By ensuring you drive with little to no additional clutter, it will be easier to lower fuel costs. Also, it is crucial that you eliminate wind resistance by keeping windows and sunroofs closed whenever possible. This helps to reduce drag and maintain a thoroughly effective aerodynamic shape, forcing air over your vehicle more efficiently to reduce the need to hammer on the gas pedal as much.
Driving is in many ways an art. With practice, we learn how to get the very most out of our investments and how to be more cost effective without sacrifice. By applying these methods to your driving habits, you’ll be able to easily save more on gas costs, which is more important than ever when considering today’s prices.
