Almost anyone can spend 20% less on gasoline, simply by changing a few habits. To save on gas, a driver must either spend less money per mile or drive fewer miles. Here are the best ways to spend less per mile, and the ways to drive less:

Drive smart

Cars burn less gas when they are driven more slowly. The problem is finding a way to drive slowly without impeding traffic or being run off the road. Drive before or after rush hour if possible. Drivers are less urgent about getting where they're going then. Also, leave enough time to go slow. Driving the speed limit (65) on the highway can save 12% versus going 10 MPH faster. Driving at 55 you save even more, about 21%. Twenty-one percent off your gasoline bill is worth having.

Save gasoline by driving smoothly. This saves 30% or more. It's unbelievable until you learn to do it. Simply accelerate more slowly, and brake sooner but more gradually. Look farther ahead, stay alert, and plan, so that you don't have to speed up and slow down. The idea is to avoid acceleration and deceleration, which gulp gas.

Turn off the car when you're not driving it. Modern cars do not have to be warmed up for more than 60 seconds. In summer, open the car doors ten minutes before you get in, so that you don't just run the engine to cool the car. Keep your car cool with sunshades or even by parking in the garage. Gas used idling is wasted.

Do your maintenance. Have regular tune-ups, put in a clean air filter, and change the oil on schedule. Take snow tires off when the season ends. Properly inflate tires, too. They should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation when they are cold. Remove excess weight from the trunk, and take that empty rack off the top. Close the moon roof, too, it's another source of drag.

Shop smart

Another way to spend less per mile is to spend less for gas. Budget gas stations in many towns and some big-box stores sell less expensive gas. In general, Costco and places like it are a good deal when prices are descending, but not so great when prices are going up. This is because they are such high volume sellers that that buy gas very frequently, always getting the latest price. Also, bear in mind that you will not save money if you drive too far to buy cheap fuel. Do the math.

Internet shoppers save money on gas, and they may also save on sales tax, and on time.

Travel smart

There are many ways to save on gas by driving less. Family members with similar commutes can carpool. Carpools with friends or co-workers are another way to save. Vanpools set up by employers or by local government are still another. The advantage of such arrangements is that they take you directly where you need to go.

Work from home a day or two a week if possible. That saves 20 to 40 percent of the money spent commuting, and probably saves on lunches too. If you must drive to work everyday, try to group your errands and do them on the way home. Making a list cuts down on trips to the grocery store too, saving time as well as gasoline.

Some people do manage to bike to work. Even if you can't do this every time, it might be possible in good weather, every once in a while. Carry a change of clothes with you.

If you take public transit, allow extra time. Times in the schedule may not correspond to the actual travel times. Public transit is much less expensive with a monthly or yearly pass, but be sure transit suits you before you buy one.

With a bit of thought, you can save big. You'll be doing the environment a favor, and possibly improving your health, too. Make a few changes, and stop burning money.

Learn more about this author, Janet Grischy.
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