by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: November 02, 2008

The recent price increases at the gas pump have gotten everyone wondering how they are going to survive this crisis. What most of us want is a solution that is going to go beyond just this one fill-up. Shopping for the best prices in your area is the easiest way to save in the minute but beyond that what can you do?

There are some grocery stores that are offering 10 cents off a gallon at selected stations for every $50 or $100 dollars that you purchase from their store. This can add up to a free tank of gas for just doing your regular grocery shopping. If the store is close by and also if the gas station is close by this is an excellent way to save at least on one tank of gas. But what about every other tank of gas? Here are a few strategies suggested by the FTC that can help you to save on fuel every day.

Use public transportation

If it is available to you this is one sure fire way to cut your cost at the pump. Take the bus, ride the train and get into a van pool. If these are not available in the area where you live you may want to see if you can ride share. Look for someone either at your job or who works nearby who you can car pool with. While this curtails your ability to do things before and after work the savings can be large enough to warrant the inconvenience.

Maintain your vehicle

This involves everything from using the correct octane recommend by the manufacturer to choosing to use motor oil that has the words energy conserving on the label. Reducing the friction on your engine will increase its efficiency and the more efficient your engine the less gas it will use. Change your air filter often, it has been shown that a clogged air filter can cause you to expend up to 10% more fuel.

Tire pressure is also a very important consideration in fuel efficiency. Check the manufactures specifications for your car and go along with what they suggest. You also need to keep your car properly aligned, not only will this help your tires to last longer but combined with the correct tire pressure it can save you up to 3% at the pumps.

Control your speed

The most efficient speed for your car is 60 miles per hour. There is a significant decrease in mileage for every mile above 60. The problem with this is if you drive 60 miles per hour on the highway you will be a scorned driver and the angry looks and horns are hard to deal with. Try driving at least the speed limit whatever that may be and maintain a consistent speed, use cruise control or overdrive if you have them available.

Change your driving habits

Avoid idling your car, these days it isn't necessary to let your car warm up and if you are stuck in traffic turn your car off. Avoid stopping and starting as much as possible. By allowing yourself a good distance between cars you can avoid having to change your speed. When you have to stop don't try to accelerate too quickly when you take off again, this wastes fuel.

Empty your trunk of anything you don't need to be carrying with you, take luggage racks off of your car, combine your trips as much as possible and yes pray for the gas prices to go down. While we have little control over the price of gas at the pump we do have control over how much of it we need to use. Most importantly if you are driving a gas guzzler it may be time to reconsider that option and get a more fuel efficient vehicle.

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