Ten Ways to Reduce Your Gas Usage

We have seen gas prices more than triple and almost quadruple in the last 10 years and there doesn’t seem to be any sign that we will ever see prices near $1.00 per gallon again. Here are some tips you can start to incorporate into your habits to reduce your gas usage.

Ten Ways to Reduce Your Gas Usage

Combine trips. If you drive to work, plan to complete as many errands as you can when you are to and from work or on your lunch to avoid a full trip in to the are or town another time.

Plan carefully. When going shopping, make sure you check out all the store deals and have your lists ready. Think about your route or check a map to make the most efficient drive when you are out. Take the time to map out all locations and make a route that has as little overlap or doubling back as possible.

Carpool. Find a shopping buddy, meet a coworker part way or take turns picking up friends for events.

Make sure your car is properly maintained. Check your tire pressure, oil level and more to make sure your car is running at it’s peak. Adding or removing a little air to get to that right point can not only reduce the amount of gas you burn, but reduce wear on your engine as it works easier.

Slow down. Most engines are built to work most efficiently around the 55 mph mark. You use more gas per mile at higher speeds. Staying with in the speed limit will burn less gas.

Use your cruise on long trips. Your vehicle’s cruise control will accelerate slower and automatically coast more efficiently than you will in most cases. Let it do the thinking for the pedal.

Lighten up. Avoid carrying extra weight around in your car. Remove any heavy items from your trunk and avoid storing things in your car long term.

Don’t leave your car running. It’s tempting in the winter to leave a vehicle sitting with the heat on or in the summer to blast the AC while you step out, but these systems quickly eat up the gas in your tank.

Don’t drive if you don’t have to. Take your bike or walk on that quick trip around the corner for a loaf of bread.

Reduce drag. The more you have on your car working against the air flow, the more gas you use to reach the speed you have. Remove decorations and try to keep your windows up at higher speeds.

What other tips do you have to reduce gas usage?