We all dread pulling up to the gas station and watching the price go up and up, until finally, our gas tank is full. Throughout the last couple of years things have gotten worse and for most of us, fueling up means cutting back on other expenses. Saving a few pennies at the gas station can truly add up, why else would we drive 10 miles out of our way to fuel up at the gas station that offers cheaper prices than the one down the road from our house? To order to visit the gas station less, try these simple tips that will keep your car more fuel efficient.
• Get out in the cold. Try filling up your car during the coolest part of the day. Many older gas pumps don’t have a temperature flow meter, therefore the fuel becomes denser when its cool, and you’ll end up getting more for your money. Also watch the type of fuel you use, it’s somewhat unnecessary to fill your car with premium fuel at the current prices, instead opt for regular. Be aware of E85 fuel, this ethanol-mixed based provides lower fuel economy than pure gasoline.
• Keep that car clean. Not only for looks, washing and waxing your car will also lower the wind resistance of your vehicle. On the inside, remove heavy boxes and junk that only weighs your car down. The removal of weight will also improve your car’s fuel economy.
• Change your air filter. No, the guy at car repair place hasn’t been telling you this for the last year just to rip you off. If you don’t change your air filter annually or bi-annually, your car’s engine has to work harder to bring in air, which burns more fuel. To save more money, you can usually change your car’s air filter yourself, as it’s often a straightforward process.
• Replace those spark plugs. Worn-out spark plugs can’t properly ignite the air/fuel mixture in your engine. This results in more fuel being used for the amount of power being produced. Consult your owner’s manual to see how often your spark plugs should be changed, as this varies greatly between cars. Additionally, you may want to leave this task to the professionals, as certain cars require hours of work to effectively change spark plugs.
• Check tire pressure. If your tires are underinflated it takes more energy for your car to push down on the road. Even if your pressure is only a little lower than normal, you’re burning much more fuel than you have too. It’s probably a wise idea to invest in a tire pressure gauge, that way you know when you’re wasting fuel.
Investing in the above steps doesn’t take a lot of time nor money, but in the long run it can save you both. As gas prices continue to climb, you should be keeping your car in the most fuel efficient shape possible. By implementing the above steps you can drive with confidence, knowing you’ve done everything to save money at the pump.
Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, compare free auto insurance quotes and read helpful advice about finding cheap auto insurance from Auto Insurance Rates Direct today.
