How to Save on Gas

How to Save on Gas

It has never been as important saving gas as today. With the increase of the barrel of crude oil at a daily level, with the scarcity of resources in key countries of the extraction of oil, with the financial and economic crisis that crosses the globe and the threat of war in prominent areas rich in oil, all this implies an obligation for the driver to save as much gas as possible, by doing this will save in the monthly budget, and of course the environment.

Through this article we intend to obtain a practical and easy to understand guide so you can save in your wallet and get the most out of your car with a substantial decrease in gas costs through small tips that most drivers know.

There are three key parts to a lower gas consumption of your vehicle without taking away the performance of your car while driving.

They are the Supply, Driving and Mechanical Part.


At a first view, and for the supply of the vehicle, you must know the average price of a gallon of gas, whether diesel or gasoline, and compare the differences that are practiced in different gas stations found easily in our country. In some places the difference is very considerable, and sometimes a longer trip compensate for the gas, compared to prices charged at the gas station closest to your area.

Do not refuel your vehicle if it has enough gas in the tank. Do it only when you get 1/4. Apart from having to stop more often unnecessarily, you also drive with extra weight in your car. A gallon of gasoline weighs about 0.75 kilograms, so you should always have in mind at the time of "giving the wink" towards the gas station.

The gas, being liquid, it tends to expand in periods of high heat, so fill in the morning or evening when the temperature is colder. So get an extra in the tank, being the gasoline more dense, you get the bonus of the same density.

After supplying the vehicle, make sure you close the tank very well. If not properly closed may cause the evaporation of fuel.

How to Save Gas While Driving

Regarding to the type of driving used, we can save a lot by adopting a more defensive and correctly style of driving, by following some parameters recommended by the automobile industry in general to lower consumption and increase the performance of the vehicle. For a better and cheaper driving, never exceed the tachometer in the 2500/3000 rpm for diesel engines and 3000 rpm in the gasoline engines.

Before leaving for a drive, think of all the tasks that you have to do and all sites where you have to stop. Trace the shortest route possible so that you go to all the places you need.

If you will not be driving, avoid turn on the engine just to warm the interior in the winter and cool in summer. Apart from spend fuel, is also very polluting to the environment.

Do not use the air conditioner unnecessarily. Despite the evolution of the same, and an attempt at "liberation" of interference with the engine is still responsible for the increase in consumption of 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers when turned on.

If your car is equipped with a speed regulator, use it, as these devices fit the engine to the circumstances of the movement, upward or downward, making the consumption of your car as low as possible.

Keep a constant speed. Avoid forced braking, and sudden accelerations.

Avoid reverse because this gear consumes more gas. Always try to park so you can get out at front.

Always assume a defensive driving. Be aware, and when you notice the traffic will slow down for some reason, be upfront, leaving the throttle slowly, as this will cause the engine to reduce gas consumption to a minimum.

If you have arrived near the destination, park in the first place you find. You will save gas and will walk a little, which will bring you benefits.

Park in the shade, because the vehicle when exposed to the sun cause evaporation of gasoline. If you have no alternative, ensure that the fuel tank is not in the direction of the sun.

Always let the engine warm on cold days, so you have a good performance and power consumption required to move and not waste gas in vain.

Do not relax your foot off the accelerator on the brake pedal while driving. The pedal pressure decreases, and the car being in moving that will rapidly increase fuel consumption by placing an unnecessary load on the engine. The brakes also will wear out faster.

Mechanical Part

Always check if the tire pressure is correct. This is critical to the efficiency of an automobile. The pressure indicated must be correct, that allows you to save between 2-3% on gas, and also extends the life of the tire. All manufacturers have a prescribed pressure for the tires of their vehicles. The recommended tire pressure normally is located on a sticker on the inside of the glove box door or in columns. It is also in the manual.

Check the pressure only when the tires are cold. The air expands inside the tire when it is hot, resulting in erroneous measurement. If you make a long trip where you have to transport heavy goods, change the pressure as indicated by the manufacture, but always with care and attention. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that driving with tires less than 20 pounds per square inch can cost you a mile per gallon.

If you have an off-road vehicle but you only use it on the road, use normal tires because they are more suited to a regular use on roads.

Remove unnecessary cargo from inside the car. Often take unnecessary or useless burden in a car that always increases the vehicle weight, hurting consumption.

The engine has an optimal operating temperature. On cold days, do not force with faster tempos.

Follow the maintenance periods. Always check the engine oil and has the vital organs of your car are in excellent conditions, especially steering. A misaligned steering increases the rolling resistance.

The exhaust emissions should be checked once a year at least. And twice a year in older vehicles. The less gas emitted the more efficient the engine become. Reduce greenhouse gases to the default limits can reduce 15% in gas consumption, in addition to prolong engine life. The oxygen sensor must always be in the most perfect conditions. Since some studies show that a damaged sensor can increase gas consumption by 60%.

A clean air filter changed regularly is also half way to lower consumption. It is a simple task and essential to keep the engine clean inside. A clogged air filter reduces the air supply to the engine, damaging the performance and operation of the engine, leading to increased gas consumption.

Turn off the engine when you stop for a long period of time. The latest news in the automotive world pass through systems that automatically shut off the engine whenever the car stops. Loading the clutch, these systems start the engine, saving gas.

As you can see, save on gas is not difficult, much less a big deal. The most important thing is to know and always take care of the car, and know how to lead with calm and attention, because only then you are able to get the most out of your vehicle, spending the least possible gas. As with humans, the engine is a heart, and if the heart is broken, that is not good. Take care of your engine, and your heart and see that you will be grateful one day.

Click to Rate This Article