Saving money on gas is a common issue these days. There are small changes that we can make in our day to day lives, but the problem must be addressed as a long term one.

Automobiles are one of our most common uses of petroleum; when it is time to trade in your car or purchase a new one, make fuel mileage a primary concern. The single biggest change you could make is switching to more efficient vehicle. There are changes you could make in your daily driving, but gas mileage can only improve a small amount. Be realistic! You are not going to cut your fuel bill in half unless you cut your driving in half. Keeping your auto finely tuned will keep the car at the mileage rate it had when the vehicle was new. Gadgets that improve mileage usually reduce less than 5 per cent of your bill. 5% of a $65.00 fill up is only $3.25; therefore, your new gas bill will drop down to $61.75, not much different. Tune-ups have little effect on new cars because items such as spark plugs last up to 60,000 miles and your ignition has no rotor. Until that 60,000 mile mark, your car is as about efficient as you can get it. Low maintenance does not mean no-maintenance, if your car is scheduled for a tune-up, fix it. If you have an older car you need to give it a proper tune-up to save fuel.

Reducing Energy Demands for the Future

What is the best speed for fuel efficiency? The best speed varies with each car. The transmission should be in its highest gear (overdrive in most cars), but the vehicle should not reach a point where the wind drag begins to affect mileage. If you do a lot of highway driving, aerodynamics is a big factor in saving gas. Also consider that smaller motors save very little gas if the vehicle weighs the same. If it takes 5000 units of energy to move a two ton vehicle, why would engine size matter? A 4 cylinder engine would use the same amount of gas to produce 5000 units of energy as an efficient 8 cylinder engine. During idle time, the smaller engine may save some gas, but who buys a motor to idle? Significantly reducing the weight of the vehicle would save you more gas than a smaller motor.

Reducing other energy wastes around the house would reduce petroleum demands. A small percentage of your electricity comes from sources such as coal or fossil fuels. Do not waste around the house. During the summer keep the sun out if you have air conditioning. Reflective screens on windows designed to reflect rays are helpful. Avoid using the dryer if you can and hang clothes outside. Avoid using the stove or oven for small uses. Cook extra and use leftovers. Ensure that air does not escape around the windows and doors. For heating in winter, make sure that your home is insulated properly. If you are renting property, consider a location that will reduce your commuting costs.