The severe economic times are forcing many of us to do what we can to save money and one of our biggest expenses is gasoline. So it makes sense that to save money you should look at ways to save gas. Here are the best ways to save gas and also help the environment.

1. Control Your Driving
   The most obvious thing you can do is to reduce energy costs is to cut down on the amount you normally drive. You can consolidate your shopping errands into one excursion, walk instead of driving and take public transportation. All of these tips will help to realize saving now. At the same time, you will help reduce carbon emissions. 
2. Cruise Control
   There is a reason why cruise control is such a useful tool. Using cruise control on highways increases fuel efficiency when compared to using the gas pedal to control your speed. It’s a good way to avoid unconsciously violating speed limits. 
3. Drive The Speed Limit
   If you drive 75 mph in a 55 mph speed zone, you reduce fuel efficiency by over 20%. We all know that driving the speed limit can be difficult to endure. But if you want to save gas now, this is an effective strategy. 
4. Tire Pressure (PSI)
   According to tire experts, taking proper care of your tires can prolong tread life by as much as 50 percent. Under inflated tires can cost you up to one mile per gallon in fuel economy. Furthermore, it can be downright dangerous. Driving on under inflated tires can lead to handling problems and even cause tires to overheat and blowout.
   Over inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency but it is strongly discouraged. Over inflation of tires are more susceptible to blowouts and it increases tread wear. 
5. Junk In The Trunk
   Are you driving around with a 50 pound bag of cement in your car? How about golf clubs, your bowling ball or even that 100 pound toolbox. The extra weight significantly decreases fuel efficiency. 
6. Warming Up The Engine
   Unless you own a vehicle made in the 70’s, there is no reason to warm up your car for more than one minute. However, in the winter time you may want to warm it up longer. Not to warm the engine, but warm the interior. 
7. Sitting Idle
   This should come as no surprise. When your car isn’t moving, your gas mileage drops to zero.
   In addition, car experts say that excessive idling can damage your engine’s components, including cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system. 
8. Aerodynamics
   Luggage racks and open windows increase drag and significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Not securing luggage tightly on the luggage racks can also lead to deadly accidents. 
9. Hypermiling
   Hypermiling is using a set of driving techniques to maximize fuel economy. Some of the techniques include knowing and planning your route, minimize braking, and shut the car off immediately when not in use. Other radical ideas of hypermiling include shutting the car engine off when going down big hills. 
10. Purchase an Electric Car
    The absolute best way to save gas is to purchase an electric car. Electric cars are the perfect alternative energy that eliminates the need to buy gasoline. Electric cars are equipped with batteries that can be charged directly from a wall outlet in your home. Although the initial cost of an electric car is high, you can offset the costs with tax rebates and the reduced cost of powering your car. Purchasing an electric car puts you on the road to green living.

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 26th, 2009 at 4:40 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.