According to the US Energy Information Administration, the current average gas price in the US is about $3.85. It seems like fuel costs are rising almost daily, so people are looking for ways to save.
There are steps a vehicle owner can take to conserve gas and save money along the way.
One of the most important things that are overlooked when it comes to saving on gas is keeping up with a vehicle's maintenance schedule. Referring to the owner's manual for the proper timing for performing vehicle maintenance, such oil changes, can be extremely beneficial.
Under inflated tires and tires that are not properly aligned lower fuel economy and will have to be replaced more frequently.
Clogged air filters, loose gas caps, and worn spark plugs also have a huge effect on how much gas a vehicle burns.
Additionally, rapid acceleration and braking hard can impact fuel usage. Slowing down and maintaining consistent speeds, perhaps by using the cruise control option, can save money.
Turning off the A/C when possible, avoiding idling and lightening the load in the vehicle will make a difference, as well.
If in the market for a new vehicle, look for ones that are more fuel efficient. The US Department of Energy offers money saving tips and information on which cars are the most fuel efficient at: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml.
Another way to save money is to shop around for the least expensive gas. GasBuddy.com has a website and free mobile app available for smart phones to find the cheapest gas available. Consumers make frequent price updates to the site to allow others to know where the best gas prices are at any given time.
The Federal Trade Commission states that an important variable in fuel economy is how someone fuels, drives, and maintains a car. The FTC provides more information on stretching fuel dollars at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt064.shtm
Performing regular vehicle maintenance, not driving erratically, and shopping around for the best prices can greatly increase savings at the pump.
No comments:
Post a Comment