Gas prices are on their way up, again. To help you navigate the road of life, we’ve put together some of our favorite ways to save gas while travelling. Plymouth Rock knows that adhering to all of these tips might be difficult, but just using a few could really stretch how far you may get on a single tank of gas and help you save fuel (and dollars) by driving smartly.
- Remove any extra weight from your car, including items in the trunk or backseat that you do not absolutely need.
- Do not idle your engine for more than 45 seconds. This wastes gas (and is illegal in many areas). In fact, you are only legally allowed to keep you car idle for a short while (it varies by state).
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires can have more impact on your gas tank than you might think.
- Avoid hard stops and aggressive accelerations. Do your best to gently apply the brake and anticipate your stopping needs. When accelerating, take it easy on your pedal to see savings in your wallet.
- Keep up with your routine maintenance, including oil changes, tune ups, and tire rotation. A well-maintained vehicle will always use fuel more efficiently.
- Use your cruise control when possible. It is the simplest way to conserve fuel while maintaining a constant speed.
- Observe the speed limit. In most cases, every 5 mph you travel over 55 mph is equivalent to an extra $0.27 per gallon of gas.
- Keep your tank at least 1/4 full at all times, especially during the colder months. This is most beneficial for your car in the long run. Empty air space in the tank contains water vapors that can condense on the sides of your fuel tank. Water vapors can mix with the gas in your fuel tank, which causes it to work less effectively. Additionally, gasoline acts like a coolant for your car’s fuel pump motor and, if your tank is very low, the fuel pump can suck in air and become overheated. This can lead to premature wear on your fuel pump, and eventual failure.
Overall, driving sensibly is probably the best tip there is. Paying attention to traffic signals, signs, and fellow drivers means you are driving safely, and that always saves in the end. These are just a few tips on how you can make the gas in your tank last longer, which means less waiting in line to fill up and more money in your pocket to help with more important needs. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter for more helpful tips.
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