The price of gas is going up by the day. With the war in Ukraine still raging, the sanctions imposed on Russia, and the cut channels of gas import, there’s no telling when this will stop. People are already feeling it in their wallets and many are looking for solutions.
There are even people stealing gas from parked cars, trucks, and busses, while the next winter might be the toughest one yet in the last 100 years, the experts are predicting. However, many people don’t have a choice and they have to use their car regularly for work or whatever.
We’ve come up with a list of things you can do to save money on gas or spend less gas while driving to help you cope with these trying times.
Drive Less
It will save you money and it is healthy. If you have to drive to work and back home, fine. But, do not jump into your car for anything and everything. Walk to the store, go on foot when you visit friends or go out to the town, if possible of course.
Do not leave your car turned on and idle
When you’re parked for a little while, it is a temptation to leave the car on, especially because people know leaving it on charges the battery through the alternator a bit. However, despite this, looking at the prices now, it may not be worth it.
Purchase gas either early in the morning or late in the evening
At lower temperatures, in the morning or the evening, the gas at the station is also cooler naturally. Cool gas is denser and contains more energy. The weight you purchase might be the same as warm gas, but you get more bang for your buck.
Drive steady and slower than usual
Driving fast creates more drag and burns more fuel, as people know. Of course, newer cars with stronger motors manage this much better, but the old ones, 10+ years or so, are simply not in shape for fast driving. Slower and steady is the way to go, relying on inertia rather than motor consumption.
Don’t wait for the tank to empty completely
When you are empty, you will have to go to whatever gas station you can find nearby and pay whatever rates they demand. Try to think beforehand and plan on which stations are the cheapest.
Tune your engine and change filters
Old filters, leaks, air entering where it shouldn’t, and a bad motor condition overall will cause you to spend more gasoline while going slower. Try and keep your engine tight and in good shape. Clean filters enable an efficient run.
Use the right oil
When the motor has the wrong oil type, it can be hindering the engine, which will in turn cause it to burn more gas.
Manuals use less gas
It may be a big investment to switch to manual if you are driving an automatic. But, if you can, it is better. Cars with manual transmission use gas more efficiently.
Carefully choose and learn the best routes
If it’s your home town, a place you were born in, this shouldn’t be a problem. You must know by now the fastest and the easiest routes, where there won’t be so much waiting in lines and traffic lights.
Don’t use the AC too much
Everybody knows by now that car ACs increase the vehicle’s gas consumption. It does so more than all other features and auxiliaries. By some calculations, ACs can cause your gas consumption to go up by up to 20%.
