With today’s high gas prices, and the overall need to save money as well as protect the environment, conserving gasoline is now more important than ever. You dont necessarily need to give up your car completely, but there are many easy things you can do now that will help save significant amounts of fuel over the long term.

Gas Saving Ideas:

1) Always keep your tires at the proper inflation pressure. You may be surprised, but this saves significant amounts on fuel and also makes your tires last longer. Just go ahead and have Jiffy Lube do it, or do it yourself for free at many gas stations that offer air pumps. Just be sure to not overinflate them, consult your manual or check the markings on the tire.

2) Take excess weight out of your car. Now I dont mean to get rid of your spare tire or anything like that, but I know a guy who left a cement mixer in the back of his pickup truck for 6 months! This kind of excess weight really does a number on your mileage as well as increasing the load on your engine. Take out any excess weight that you dont need, but keep in mind that extra weight can help your car be more stable on ice in the winter.

 3) Keep it at 55 miles an hour. This is one of the easiest things you can do to increase fuel efficiency. Driving at 55 or less increases your mileage significantly. The fast you go over 55, the more gas you guzzle. Just keep to the slow lane and you will realize a great benefit immediatly.

4) Get a tune up. Getting a tune up, especially if you havent gotten one in awhile, increases your engines efficiency and therefore your gas savings. Look around for a deal at your local lube shop and you will end up making up for the cost of the tune up within a month or two of driving depending on how much you drive.

5) Avoid sudden starts and stops. Dont be a lead foot! If you see stopped traffic up ahead, there is no need to gun the gas and then brake to stop for the traffic, your going to be waiting anyways. Just let yourself coast to a stop and you will still be waiting the same amount of time, but have saved yourself some fuel right there. If you can change your habits and avoid the sudden starting and stopping, you your car will thank you for it.

Conclusion

Now that wasnt hard, was it? These tried and true methods for saving on gas will help you save not only money at the fuel pump, but will help the environment at the same time. Its a win-win situation, and all it takes is a little bit of effort. Happy saving!