Since December, average gas prices have again been on the rise, increasing by almost 10 percent in the past month alone. As a result, many people are looking for ways to reduce their growing fuel expenses. Thankfully, as gas prices rise, so does national attention to the issue. There is no shortage of resources available to the savvy car owner who is looking to save money on gas.
Recently, MainStreet.com posted several tips online for spending less on gas. One of the easiest ways to save on gas is to find the least expensive station in town. While gas stations in the same neighborhood have very similar prices, stations in other areas may offer considerable savings. The automotive information website Edmunds.com recommends using online services such as GasBuddy.com, which offers a free iPhone app for tracking prices and locations of gas stations.
Another wallet-fattening tip is to avoid paying for premium gasoline. Many modern cars simply do not require the high-octane fuel to function efficiently. According to MainStreet.com, “premium gas was initially created to help keep your engine from ‘knocking’ (a misfiring in the engine that can cause … engine damage), and also contains additives that keep your fuel lines clean. But modern cars have knock sensors in place, and regular fuel has improved to the point where it keeps your engine running clean on its own.” Edmunds.com also has a tool that can be extremely valuable for car owners to determine if their car even requires premium fuel.
“As gas prices rise, so does national attention to the issue. There is no shortage of resources available to the savvy car owner who is looking to save money on gas.”
Keeping your vehicle in good condition also helps put more money in your pocket. Make sure to check your tire pressure so your tires stay properly inflated and schedule regular maintenance for your car.
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to save gas, however, is to use less of it. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are a number of new and creative ways to accomplish this. Short of buying a more fuel efficient car, driving defensively and without unnecessary acceleration reduces the amount of gas consumed markedly. Stop-and-go driving not only increases your gas consumption, but also adds to high maintenance bills.
For more information and tips on reducing gas expenses, see Mainstreet.com’s article, “Get it for Less: Gas”