How to save money on gas~

A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%. So, change your air-filter regularly.

Are you an aggressive or moderate driver? EFFECTIVE DRIVING HABITS - SAVE MONEY, SAVE GAS, SAVE LIFE. Quick tips on saving gas money and staying on the budget.

Such pain at the pump these days, eh? The price of gas is skyrocketing! Surge in gasoline prices across Canada and in the USA is uncontrollable. As consumers, we are dramatically paying for this necessity. The inevitable thievery is not fair and ordinary people and consumers can no longer sustain it.

Couple of days ago, I filled up my gas tank. It was ($) 131 cents per liter. The next day, gas price was at instant 132 cents per liter. The rapid increase only happened overnight. This morning, I noticed that the gas price went up again. It is at 133.2 cents per liter at the time of this writing. And yes, I have to stop to take a picture of this ridiculously soaring gas price. Online site, "Tomorrows Gas Price Today" predicts another increase in the following days. As consumers, we cannot control this insanity.

However, there are sure ways we can help save that hard-earned money. Beware though, because there are a lot of urban legends out there on saving money at the pump and, what you probably know is not really true in terms of improving your fuel efficiency and keeping the longevity of your vehicle.

And while these tips have given us that feel good about driving and in saving money, reality is, there are misconceptions in some of them. So, how do we know which one is of value and which is not? Online sites offer a variety of ways to save money while driving. Question is, how effective are these tips?

"The best way to save energy and your hard-earned money is to effectively improve your driving habits." -

1. Aggressive drivers consume more gas than moderate drivers. Test conducted on aggressive versus moderate drivers shows major saving potential and the cold harsh fact is that moderate drivers save up to 37 % of fuel consumption than those who drive like crazy on the road. So, really, it all falls down to your attitude as a driver.

2. Moderate drivers drive within the speed limit. If you drive within the speed limit, especially on a long trip, you’re certain to save up to 14 percent of your fuel consumptions. Decrease your speed. Speeding cost you money not only in your gas consumption but saves you from getting a speeding ticket too and most importantly prevents you from meeting an accident that is bound to happen when you speed-up. Use your common sense and keep your patience on the wheels.

Be a smart driver. If you have the cruise control for example, use it. It’s also an effective way to save gas especially on a long drive by maintaining a steady speed during highway drive. So, drive sensibly on the highway. Of course, cruise control is not recommended if driving on a hill or mountainous route.

So, try changing your driving habits. You will not only save money, you will also prevent accidents that will again, cost you more money and worse, life, either your own or someone else.

1. Drive Sensibly – avoid speeding up. Watch that foot off the accelerator! I’d rather arrive safe and sound than quick and stressed out!

2. Cut the mileage – walk more, drive less. Combine trips, take public transportation or go biking. It’s not only good for your pocket; it’s also good for your health.

3. Carpool – share the cost of gas with other passengers. Make friends or develop your friendship by carpooling. Keep your connections.

4. Turn down the air – While on the city streets, roll down your windows and then put on your air-condition when you hit the highway. Air conditioners sap power from the engine and increase your gas consumption.

5. Avoid drag – place items in your trunk as opposed to placing them on your vehicle’s roof. The logic behind this is, a loaded roof rack or carrier increases weight and aerodynamic drag. So, by reducing the weight off your vehicle, you’re likely to cut your mileage by at least 5 percent.

6. Avoid Idling – excessive idling can damage your vehicle’s engine. And, if you’re going to park for more than say 10 seconds, turn off the engine. Those 10 seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off your engine and re-start it again.

7. Use your GPS - if you have a GPS, use it. It takes you to the right direction; helps improve mapping skills and saves time and gas consumption in your navigation. It also has the option of avoiding toll route, which means you save extra your money in paying the toll. Most GPS are also equipped with built-in panic button. In case of emergency or if in danger, you can easily be located.

8. Check your tires – tire pressures when properly maintained could save you from the wear down and fuel economy up. Saves the environment too because under-inflated tires need replacing more often and is dangerous on the road. At least, check your tire pressure once a week. I do!

The United States is viewed as having the easiest driving test in the world, with some states allowing 14-year-olds to take the driving test and other states not even requiring the new driver to parallel park or to drive on a motorway. Source: The World's Toughest Driving Tests

Thank you for reading! Now, be smart and stay safe on the road!

Copyright@CrisSp~TM/03-12. Fearless but not Heartless!