Save Money On Gas

Effective Gas Consumption - Can It Be Done?

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:59:09 +0000

If you own a vehicle, chances are that you are worrying about gas consumption. The gas prices in recent times have become so high that many people have made drastic changes to the way they drive. Some people have started taking the bus to work; others have sold off their cars. There are some effective gas-saving tips for those who have cars but want to get the most out of their fuel.

Change The Way You Drive

One of the most effective ways to reduce gas consumption is to make some changes to the way you drive. Most of us have developed bad driving habits over the years - these usually don’t affect us mainly because they are small things. But when it comes to fuel economy, they can really make a big difference. First let’s take a look at how fast you drive - most of us drive way too fast because we need to get to work on time! But this is also how you end up burning more fuel. Leave home a little early and stay within the speed limit - you’ll use lesser gas and still make it to work on time.

Another bad driving habit that guzzles gas is sudden starting and stopping. Every time you slam on the brakes or hit the accelerator hard, it takes up a lot of fuel. Instead, go easy on the starting and stopping - in general; try to make your ride as smooth as possible. Avoid making sharp turns and try to cruise when you are driving on the highway. If you find it hard to keep your speed under control, make it a point to drive among heavy vehicles like trucks. These naturally move at a leisurely pace and will force you to do the same.

Take Care Of Your Car

One of the best ways to lower your gas consumption is to take good care of your car. This means making sure it is well-maintained and in good running condition at all times. You might think that factors like low tire pressure or clogged air filters don’t affect fuel consumption, they do. Haven’t had your engine tuned in a while? Get that done as well since a well-tuned engine also means less petrol consumption.

This is also a good time to give your car a thorough cleaning out. A lot of us tend to store things in the trunk or under the backseat - but this extra weight makes the car heavier, thus using more gas. Keep only what you absolutely need in the trunk of your car. If you’ve got a roof rack or floodlights on your roof, you might want to take them down - these make your vehicle less aerodynamic, increasing fuel consumption.

The bottom line is that the smaller and lighter your car is, the less gas it will use. So if you’ve been lugging around an SUV and don’t really need it, consider downsizing to something a little smaller. This will definitely lower your petrol costs and save you money. By using the right tips, it’s easy to get your gas consumption under control.

The Truth About Petrol Prices

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:58:43 +0000

Everywhere you look, people are complaining about high petrol prices. And they have good reason too - the high fuel prices seem to have become a worldwide phenomenon. Apart from that, it has forced a number of people to take drastic measures, like selling their cars. But what exactly is behind these high gas rates? And who is to blame?

A Question Of Gas And Oil

An important thing to remember is that oil and gas are closely linked - rising petrol prices mean that oil prices have also been rising. Let’s take a look at the actual breakdown of gas prices. The price of crude oil forms about 55% of the going price of gas - the rest is made up of taxes. If taxes and distribution of this oil is steady, then the gas prices will be relatively steady and manageable too. But if the distribution system is affected in some way, then the prices shoot up. This is why in some cases, gas prices go up even though the price of crude oil is down.

Apart from that, gas consumption has increased overall on a global scale. Countries like China, India and Nigeria are all using much more fuel than they were before - add to this the fact that the American dollar has also taken a plunge and it becomes clear why gas prices are so high. Ordinary people who are simply looking for ways to cut gas consumption wonder if these prices will ever go down. The good news is that forecasts have predicted that gas prices should return to normal by 2009.

What You Can Do

What can you really do to save on fuel in the meantime? Let’s look at the bigger picture first - the surge in petrol prices has simply reiterated the fact that alternate fuel sources need to be found. There is a good chance that if more people were relying on alternative, environmentally friendly fuels, the current crisis would not have been so serious. Alternative fuel sources are beneficial both in terms of money and in conserving the planet’s resources. Closer home, we can all take steps to be more careful about how we use our gas.

Start thinking about using public transportation such as buses or trains - it’s also a good idea to organize car pools with people at work. Try and limit your use of the car as well. The truth is that most of us take out our vehicles even when we don’t need to - if you can easily walk down to the corner store, do so. Don’t use your car unless you really need to.

It’s also a good idea to keep your car in good running condition. Periodically check the tire pressure as well as the air filters to make sure they aren’t clogged. Keep your car as light as possible - clear out your trunk and only keep what’s absolutely necessary in your car since a heavy car drinks more gas. Though gas prices are rising all over the world, we can certainly do our bit to help fight high petrol prices.

Alternative Fuels - Are They Really The Boon Of The Future?

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:57:06 +0000

With the recent gas crisis, the question of alternative fuels has become a hot topic. More and more people are thinking of gas alternatives as a cheaper option to the increasingly expensive gasoline. But the truth is that many people have been talking about the need for new fuels for a number of years. As oil and gas consumption begins to increase on a global scale, we need to find other ways to run our cars. But how effective will these new fuels be?

Enter The Hybrid

Hybrid cars are one of the options that have come into focus - in fact, a number of companies have already put a few of these cars onto the market. These are also known as ‘plug-in’ cars, since they run on electricity. These cars don’t completely run on a battery; instead, the gas-running option is used as a back-up supply. These cars primarily run on an electric motor which can be charged overnight from an ordinary household electric socket. The advantages of these cars are obvious - since the gas is only used as a back-up, fuel consumption reduces drastically. These cars are also much more environmentally friendly.

But they do have their disadvantages too. Perhaps the biggest one is that you can’t take these cars on long trips - taking a cross-country road trip in a plug-in car is out of the question. Apart from that, these cars tend to be more expensive than traditional ones. But this is soon starting to change - as these cars become more popular, companies are looking to make them more affordable. They are also looking into making them capable of covering longer distances.

Losing The Gas

A number of alternative fuels known as biofuels have also made an entrance in recent times. Biodiesel is one such fuel that is an alternative to traditional diesel. It is made from purely biological substances and can easily be used in diesel engines. This is a welcome change from previous diesel alternatives, which used straight or waste vegetable oils. These kinds of alternatives did require the engine to be modified slightly before they could be used.

Without any doubt, the most popular alternative fuel in the market today is something called E85. This is getting a tremendous push from all sides, as people are hoping to end American dependency on foreign oil. Apart from that, E85 is very environmentally friendly. It contains only 15% unleaded gasoline and 85% ethanol. This is hugely beneficial for the USA since it produces a large amount of ethanol from its own biological crops.

Even though these alternatives exist, it will take a while for them to become more efficient and user-friendly. Apart from that, consumers also need to start taking alternative petrol options, more seriously. One of the main reasons why the plug-in cars have had a hard time taking off is because people just haven’t taken it seriously. But depending on a fuel source that is quickly becoming scarce is a serious matter. We have no choice but to look at alternative fuels more and more, to power our cars in the future.

How To Get Better MPG Out Of Your Car

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:54:24 +0000

As petrol prices continue to cause problems across the world, many people are looking at ways to get better MPG out of their cars. Fuel efficiency has always been a priority for people - a fuel efficient car is not only a money saver but is also environmentally friendly. Today however, the need for saving gas is much more pressing. Thankfully, there are some hints you can keep in mind to really help save petrol costs.

Make A Change

Face it; your car and transportation form a big part of your daily life. This is mainly why rising fuel costs are such a problem! The first step to gain better MPG from your car is to change how you use it. First of all, make an assessment of how often you use it - you’ll find that you probably end up using it a lot for trips you don’t need. Avoid using the car to drive to nearby shops or restaurants when you can easily walk the distance. Now take a look at how many trips you make for the important jobs - do you end up making three or four errand runs? Try and consolidate your shopping and errands into one trip to save on gas.

Now take a look at your driving habits. Do you have a habit of braking and accelerating your vehicle suddenly? These are two things that can really cause your car to drink more gas- in general; a smooth, easy drive is one that guzzles less gas. The less stress you put on your car, the less fuel it will consume. This means that it’s a good idea to avoid things like speeding, sudden, sharp turns and excessive braking. Whenever possible, take your foot off the pedal and cruise - this can be a real fuel saver, especially on long rides.

Shop Around?

When you are thinking about buying a car or a new TV, chances are that you shop around for the best price, right? Well you can also do that for gas. The truth is that you can in fact find lower gas prices if you look for them. First, scout out different filling stations in your area and compare the rates - you’ll easily find the one that charges less. To avoid getting stuck with no gas, give yourself a filling schedule. The best time to fill up is on Wednesday morning, as this is when petrol prices are at their weekly low. It’s also a good idea to fill up during cold weather - this makes the gasoline dense and you’ll be able to fit more into your tank and get better MPG.

It’s also important to keep your vehicle in good shape. A car that is not maintained well is tougher to run - this means that it ends up drinking more fuel. Keep an eye on things like your air filters and tire pressure - it’s also a good idea to keep your engine well-tuned. A well-maintained car is one that works at its optimum level, using the least amount of gas possible. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can easily get better MPG for your money.

Saving Petrol - Easy And Effective Tips That Work

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:52:48 +0000

Thinking about how you can start saving petrol? So is the rest of the world - the truth is that the rising gas prices have hit everyone on a global scale. You don’t have to go very far to find a list of fuel economy tips either - it seems like they are everywhere, even on the news. But some of these tips just might not seem feasible - if you really need your car to get around and public transportation isn’t an option, you need to think of other gas-saving tips. Fortunately, they aren’t that hard to find!

Get Your Car In Gear

A lot of us like to put car maintenance on the back burner - things like tire pressure or clogged air filters are not something we think about much. But these things can play a big role in saving petrol. If a car isn’t well maintained, it must work that much harder to get moving. This means more fuel consumption - take your tires for instance. Low tire pressure means that the wheel has more resistance when it tries to start rolling, thus burning up more fuel. Tires kept at optimum pressure not only save on fuel, they also increase the life span of the tires. Keep your engine clean and your air filters clean as well - all of these can work towards significantly lowering your gas consumption.

Saving petrol doesn’t just mean making sure everything is ok under the hood. The rest of the car needs to be straightened out as well! Do you have a habit of stowing away junk in the trunk of your car? Clear it all out - the lighter your car is, the lesser gas it will consume. Do you have a car rack or extra lights on the roof? Take those down too - the more streamlined and aerodynamic your vehicle is the lesser fuel it burns.

Get A Filling Schedule

If you’re serious about ways to save on gas, then it’s also a great idea to give yourself a filling schedule. Usually people just go to the nearest pump for gas or they stop at one that’s on their route. But this is also how a lot of people end up wasting money as well - with a filling schedule, you can cut down your fuel costs considerably. Do a little research on the stations nearest to you and you’re bound to find one that charges lesser than the rest. Next, make it a point to fill up on gas every Wednesday morning. This is the time when gas prices are at their lowest - this is because the prices tend to rise towards the weekend and then drop when the week starts.

You can also start saving on petrol by making some slight changes in the way you use your car. If you have errands to run, then plan them in such a way as to cover them all in a single trip. You’d be surprised at how much gas you save by reducing three or four trips into one! Saving petrol can be a rather easy habit to get into, once you know how to go about it!

Petrol Or Diesel - Which One Will Really Save You Money?

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:50:12 +0000

As the gas crisis continues, a lot of people are considering which is more cost-efficient; petrol or diesel. While some gas saving tips are more short-term oriented, a lot of people are looking for long-term options. In fact, many folks have decided to buy smaller, lighter vehicles in order to cut down on gas consumption. But will a diesel car really save you more money?

Myths About Diesel

The argument about petrol or diesel has actually been going on for quite some time. In truth, diesel has always come out on the losing end because people tend to think of it as second-best when compared to gas. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular myths about diesel - first of all, people think that diesel vehicles aren’t as powerful as gas-powered ones. This isn’t true - while diesel cars in the 1980s may have been a little weaker, the ones on the road today are definitely powerful machines.

Another popular myth about diesel is that it has a strong odor and makes a loud noise. Both assumptions are false - in fact, the only way you’ll get a smelly, loud diesel ride is if you’re driving a heavy transport vehicle! Some people say that diesel isn’t available as freely as gasoline so it’s hard to find filling stations - look a little closely and you’ll find that any place that stocks gas will also stock diesel.

Ups And Downs

It would seem that today, in the question of petrol or diesel, diesel is the natural choice, right? Not necessarily - this fuel does have its disadvantages too. For one thing, diesel is more expensive than gasoline. However, it is a fuel saving option because it is far more efficient than gasoline. You can always get better MPG from a diesel-powered car because it doesn’t burn as much fuel to get going. Another thing to consider is that driving a diesel-powered vehicle is different from driving a gas-powered one. For one thing, you won’t get the same kind of acceleration, unless you’re driving a turbo-powered diesel drive.

Another huge factor you need to consider is maintenance. Gasoline tends to be pretty low-maintenance and you can go for a while without doing things like tuning the engine. But diesel does not burn as cleanly as petrol - it is absolutely imperative that you change the oil every 3000 miles. Air and fuel filters need to be replaced every year and glow plugs should be changed every two years. During the winter, you’ll need to switch to a different fuel blend since diesel has a tendency to coagulate. You can either use additives in your diesel or switch to a winter blend.

If you’re planning to make the switch but don’t want to buy a whole new car, you can replace your petrol engine with a diesel one. This can be an expensive option since a diesel engine is much heavier than a gas-powered one. It’s important to remember that many of the disadvantages of using diesel are obsolete today. If you’re seriously thinking about whether petrol or diesel is the way to go, diesel is certainly a strong option to consider.

Innovative Ways To Beat High Petrol Costs

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:49:37 +0000

High petrol costs have got a lot of people down these days. For most of us, the price hikes have meant making some changes to the way we live. Some of us have opted for things like car pooling, walking or cycling when possible or taking the bus to work. Others have had to opt for more drastic measures, like getting a smaller, lighter vehicle. There are a number of different ways to beat high gas prices - some are tricky, others are easier to follow than you think!

Research!

While high petrol costs are certainly on everyone’s minds, when it comes to filling up, what do we do? We end up going to the gas station that’s either closest to our home or we go to the first one we see. Did you know that there are price variations among different gas stations? It will be well worth it to do a little research on which filling stations offer the cheapest rates. Plan your fill-up schedule accordingly - this simple exercise could mean a lot for you in terms of fuel economy. Also bear in mind that places like wholesale clubs will charge you a lot lesser than other stations.

Go on a Wednesday to a filling station. What do high gas prices have to do with Wednesday? Well, Wednesday is actually the day of the week when fuel prices are at their lowest. Gas prices generally tend to rise towards the weekend and fall as the week progresses. Your best bet is to buy your gas on Wednesday morning - is it cold outside? Better still. Cold weather means the gas will be denser, which means you can pack more of it into your tank!

Simplify Your Life

One thing people usually don’t associate with high petrol costs is what they keep in their trunk. But the truth is that the two are closely related. The lighter your car is, the less fuel it will need to run. A great way to make your car lighter is to get rid of things you really don’t need. Many people use the trunks of their car or even the backseat to store things they don’t want in their house! Get rid of the junk, especially the heavy stuff and you’ll find that your fuel consumption will actually decrease.

It’s also a good idea to simplify your car as well - this means reducing the number of extras and gadgets you’ve got. For example, cut down your use of the air-conditioner; if it gets too hot, just roll down the window and let the breeze in. Thinking about getting some wide, deep tread tires for your car? Don’t. While those tires might look great, they increase the rolling resistance of your car - that means you car has to work harder to get the wheels moving. This in turn means more fuel consumption.

These measures might seem like insignificant ones but they certainly do add up. Even a simple change like opting to take the bus to work twice a week can really save you money. These are just some of the many ways to fight high petrol costs.

Petrol Saving Pointers That Work!

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:48:03 +0000

Everywhere you look, it seems like there is a list of petrol saving tips for you to follow. Some of them might seem easy enough to follow but won’t give you the kind of savings you’re looking for. Others might be effective but can also mean making huge changes to your lifestyle. Is there a way to be fuel efficient without having to turn your life upside down? Yes there is - all it takes is a little planning.

Shop Around

The first step to petrol saving involves where you actually shop for gas. Most of us don’t give much thought to where we fill up - if we’re driving along and we notice we need some gas; we just pull into the next filling station. The truth is that there are certain filling stations that charge less for gas - compare some prices and you’ll find one that can give you the best rate. Another thing that can help you save on gas is how you choose to pay. People often end up paying more than they need to if they pay for fuel using multiple credit cards. The best way to pay for gas is using cash - if you must use a card, make sure you use only one card for the purpose.

Now that you’ve found a cheap filling station and know how to pay, you need to make a filling schedule. In general, gas prices tend to rise towards the weekend and then hit their peak. Once Monday comes around, the prices tend to drop again, hitting their lowest at around mid-week. Gas prices will be at their lowest on Wednesday morning and this is when you should to fill up. Weather also plays a role in getting the most out of your gas - if it’s cold, then the gasoline will be denser. This means that if you fill up, you’ll be able to fit more gas in your tank.

How’s My Driving?

A big aspect of petrol saving has to do with the way you drive as well. Some people do what is known as a jackrabbit start - this literally causes the car to jump to life. It also drinks up an awful lot of fuel. In fact, any kind of sudden start and stop should be avoided as they guzzle more gasoline. Do you have a tendency to speed on the road? Driving too fast also takes up a lot of fuel - your best bet is to stay within the speed limit. If possible, try and cruise as much as possible. If you find that you just can’t keep your foot off the accelerator, here’s a tip. Make it a point to drive among trucks and heavy vehicles. These have a tendency to move at a leisurely rate - this will make you slow down as well!

Last but definitely not least, keep your car well-maintained as well. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure they are always filled to the optimum pressure. Clear out your air filters regularly too and take your engine in for regular tune-ups. All these little things can go a long way in petrol saving.

Cut Your Fuel Bill - Tips That Really Work!

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:45:20 +0000

If you’re looking to cut your fuel bill, you’ve probably tried out a dozen money-saving tips already. With gas prices so high, it seems like everywhere you look, people are offering hints on how to save on gas. Some of these tips work, others are hard to carry out. However, the good news is that there are some pointers you can easily keep in mind to save on fuel.

Keep It Clean

When most people think about how to cut their fuel bill, they don’t think about maintenance. The truth is that keeping your vehicle in tip-top form is one of the best ways to lower your fuel bill. For instance, did you know that tires with low pressure increase your fuel consumption enormously? This is because they have a high rolling resistance factor - tires that have the right pressure help carry the car along using as little fuel as possible. Don’t forget your wheel alignment either - faulty alignment can also make your car guzzle more gas.

Erratic driving habits can increase the fuel consumption of your car. If you have a tendency to accelerate or brake suddenly, you will end up burning more fuel. Whenever possible, drive at a steady speed. Make slow, easy turns and try to avoid making sudden starts and stops. Aerodynamics is another thing that plays a key role in fuel consumption. If you have extras like flood lights or roof racks on your car, these increase the vehicle’s air resistance and increase fuel consumption.

What Are You Running On?

If you take a peek at your owner’s manual, you’ll notice that your vehicle has a recommended gas. This is suggested by the manufacturer to give you the best mileage for your money. A lot of people like to opt for other kinds of fuel, mainly to save money. But the truth is that cheaper gas can actually reduce the longevity of your vehicle and increase gas consumption in the long run.

It’s also a good idea to make a few lifestyle changes in order to reduce your fuel bill. These aren’t major changes - in fact, they might seem too simple to you. But the truth is that they can really save you a lot on gas and money. For instance, avoid drive thru windows. These encourage you to keep your engine idling unnecessarily and can really drink a lot of gas if the lines are long. If you’re stuck in a bad traffic jam that doesn’t seem to be moving at all, turn your engine off. This way, at least you’ll save on gas.

It’s also a good idea to plan your travel route out before you hit the road. You’d be surprised at how much gas you can waste just by getting lost! If you’re heading out to do some errands, try and do a combined trip. Finish off your bank work, dry cleaning and shopping in one trip instead of making three separate runs. This is not only a fuel-saver, it will also save you time. These are just some of the many ways by which you can cut your fuel bill.

Save Money On Gas - Easy Ways To Save

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:33:01 +0000

These days, anyone with a vehicle wants to save money on gas. The fact is that gas prices have risen to such an extent that some people have even sold their cars. There are a few ways in which you can cut your gas consumption. The majority of these ways will probably only save you a few miles per gallon but in the long run, these will really add up.

Don’t Go So Fast

One of the easiest ways to save some cash on fuel is to just slow down. The faster you push your car, the more gas it’s going to guzzle. This is something that a lot of people don’t believe - if you are one of them, just do this simple experiment. Try driving within the speed limit for just a few days and keep to the right if you drive on the freeway. You’ll notice that not only do you save on gas; your journey won’t take that much long either.

Another effective fuel saving tip is to check your tire pressure. This is something many people don’t even think about but it does play a huge role in fuel consumption. The lower your tire pressure, the more fuel your car needs to move forward. Make it a point to check your tire pressure once a month and keep a tire gauge handy, as well. You should also check your air filters regularly - clogged air filters means less air going to your engine. This in turn means higher gas consumption.

Cut Out The Extras

Some of the most effective ways to save money on gas is to cut out the extras you use when driving. For example, consider the air conditioning - it can really take a big bite of your fuel expenses. Instead of switching it on each time it gets too hot, just roll down the window and let some fresh air in. This is not only a money saver; it’s also healthier for you! It’s also a good idea to lay off on upgrading things like your tires or engine. Wide tires that have deep treads might look great but they have increased rolling resistance - this means they lower the fuel economy of your car.

If rising gas prices are really starting to worry you but you need to have a vehicle, consider downsizing. The bottom line is that large, heavy vehicles like SUVs guzzle a lot more gas than smaller cars. You’d be surprised at how much money you can save just by switching to a smaller, lighter vehicle. Another thing many people don’t realize is that they carry around a lot of unnecessary weight in their car. Pop the trunk and clear out whatever you don’t need. Lightening the car load can also help you save on gas.

Perhaps the most helpful money-saving tip is to avoid using the car when you don’t have to. If you can walk it up to the store to pick up a loaf of bread, then leave the car at home. These tips might seem simple, but they can really help you save money on gas.