Can You Save Money at the Gas Pump

You would think that North America has the highest gas prices but it seems that countries in the European Union pay much more than we do as a result of higher taxes.

Over the years there have been many protests against the cost of going to the pump.

In 2000 there was a major protest in Britain. As a result, the government of the day postponed an increase in the fuel duty they were planning.

This lasted until December 2006 when the price of fuel was increased by 1.25 per litre in Britain.

In places like Japan, fuel costs are also higher than in North America as a result of transportation costs to get the fuel into the country and also taxes.

In countries that produce oil such as Venezuela, gas prices are well below market prices.

If you want to know where you will pay the most for gas for your car then you need to go to Hong Kong.

Since gas prices are in the clouds again, you might think about using a lower grade of gasoline in your car. But is this a good idea?

Unfortunately using a lower grade of gasoline when it hasn’t been recommended by the manufacturer of your automobile just might increase your chances of having problems in the future.

Gasoline gets a grade based on how much it can be compressed before it explodes.

This is called the anti-knock index. The lower the grade, the lower the pressure it needs to explode.

Since gasoline has a low octane rating when it comes out of the ground, additives and other agents are added to raise its anti-knock index.

The gas you pump in your car is a mixture of several chemical compounds including detergents to clean your engine.

So the answer to the question regarding using a lower grade of fuel in your car is that using a lower grade means that the engine compresses the fuel mix with compressed air and it explodes before it is supposed to.

This results in a “knock” and this can lead to all sorts of problems including spark plug failure, loss of engine power, low mileage, and in some cases, engine damage.

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There are a number of excellent ways to save at the pump. The list below is some of the best ways to save.

▪ If you can, by a hybrid powered car.

▪ Turn off your air conditioning.

▪ Buy a car with a manual transmission – they are a lot more fuel efficient.

▪ Use cruise control on the freeways.

▪ Shift to neutral or turn off the engine when stopped in traffic or waiting for someone.

▪ Reduce the weight by keeping the car and trunk empty of heavy items that you don’t need.

▪ Drive slower!

▪ Shop for lower priced gas – not all gas prices are the same.

▪ Avoid heavy traffic if possible and areas with lots of traffic lights.

▪ Get regular tune ups.

▪ Make sure the tires are well inflated.

▪ Remove snow tires as soon as possible.

▪ Use the correct grade of motor oil for your car.

▪ Replace your air filters when necessary.

▪ Use your headlights only when necessary.

▪ Drive less – carpool to work and combine trips when shopping.

▪ Fill up when you are almost on empty – gas weighs more than you think.

The next time you buy gas you might want to consider how much marketing goes into getting you to the pump.

Oil companies hire marketing companies to advertise their products and get you to think that what you are buying is the best for your car. But is it?

Chevron claims that their gas is fortified with Techron and then Amoco says their product will help to save the planet! The truth: gas is gas.

Certainly, there are additives that can help clean your car’s engine, however, all gas companies add them to their fuel.

The government has required gas companies to add detergents since 1994 to help prevent fuel injectors from clogging.

The good news for consumers is that brand-name gas isn’t any different from other gas.

And if you think that since Shell or Exxon Mobil have their own refiners they only have their gas at the pump, think again.

They share pipelines and therefore they share the same fuel.