by Amon Karagara

Created on: June 08, 2009   Last Updated: January 05, 2012

Given the constant rise in gas prices, it is becoming difficult to drive to work, school, the store, or run any errands that require driving. Some gas saving practices are therefore necessary in order to save on gas. These ideas could help:

1. Service your vehicle.  

The air filter, tires, oil, spark plugs or any parts in your engine should be well maintained in order to obtain a better gas mileage. So, ensure that you keep your car in good shape by following the recommended maintenance guidelines, as well as some routine checks and tune-ups

2. Take off the extra load.

Don't carry heavy items in your trunk all the time, unless you are transporting them somewhere. The vehicle typically consumes more gas when it is carrying a heavier load. Avoid using the trunk for storage or else you will be wasting gas.

3. Use public transportation.

If you are in an area serviced by public transit, such as city trains and buses, try to utilize it as much as you can. It is much cheaper than driving your own car and it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

4. Opt for a fuel efficient vehicle.

Big pick-up trucks and SUVs, as well as luxury cars take more gas that the regular sedans. Six or eight cylinder vehicles also take more than a four cylinder engine. So put these factors into consideration. If you really don't need to have an SUV, it is best o stick to a smaller vehicle.

5. Good driving habits.

Some kind of discipline will save you money on gas. The way you drive makes a difference on your gas consumption. Do not take off too fast or brake suddenly. Avoid idling for a long time. Observe the speed limit. 60mph is good and anything beyond will cost you more. Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control on a highway.

6. Combine errands and avoid unnecessary trips.

Plan ahead of time and know where you need to be for the rest of the day, and then do everything while you are out there, instead of driving back and forth.  If you can avoid driving, do so. For instance, if you can talk with someone over the phone and have your business done that way, you don't need to drive there.

7. Carpool.

Find friends whom you can share rides with, once in a while. A few more days spent without driving your vehicle will definitely reduce on your gas consumption. Imagine having two friends, each one sharing a car with you. In a week, you could see yourself driving only twice or thrice. So, you are saving all the other days.

8. Avoid rush time and congested roads.

Driving in traffic wastes a lot of gas, because this gives you less mileage per gallon. Your vehicle engine is running while you are not getting anywhere sooner. It is therefore in your best interest to try to avoid such rush hours. Familiarize yourself with the heavily congested spots and hours on your main highway. Then plan to either leave early or wait for the roads to clear. Alternatively, you can try other routes with less congestion.

9 Other alternatives: If weather permits and it is a short distance, you can ride a bicycle or take a walk, as long as you are not carrying anything back. 

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