by Lisa Mazurek

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2011

Many experts agree that there are ways to save gas. This pertains to winter or summer driving. Many of these tips are commonsense. They are also true facts. Did you know that your driving habits alone can cause you to waste gas? Just think about it the next time you floor that gas pedal just to end up at another red light. Why speed if there is no open road? Why speed if you know you will just be wasting more gas and taking a risk of  getting a $200.00 ticket. Besides did you know that you lose 21% more gas when you drive over the speed limit.

Certain vehicles are gas guzzlers. The sports cars, trucks, or any vehicle with a V 8 engine is going to use more gas than a 4 or 6 cylinder engine. So choosing the car you will drive plays an important role in saving gas.

As for the car you have now be sure to have regular maintenance on it.  If you do the maintenance yourself or most of the time than you probably know to change your oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Regular oil changes prevent engine wear and can save gas. Keep that air filter clean because a clogged air filter will cause the engine to work harder. Believe me on this one. I changed mine because it was fairly easy and what a difference. Always check your tires to ensure your tires are properly inflated. This will improve fuel efficiency. This is another fact that worked for me.  Check your coolant system. It is suggested to flush and refill the coolant system every year. An engine that runs too hot or too cold can reduce fuel efficiency. Also, having a  well tuned engine will have higher fuel efficiency. Finally, be sure you have a tight fitting gas cap 

Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. Don't push the gas pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This will allow the carburetor to function at peak efficiency. Avoid prolonged heating up of engines even in cold weather, 45 seconds is long enough. I do not agree with this because some cars need at least 3 to 4 minutes to warm up especially if you have an older car. Avoid driving in heavy traffic. If your stuck in traffic, do not sit there for ten or twenty minutes burning fuel. Instead, turn the ignition off. If you need to run into the store or gas station do not leave your car running.

Here is a fact that we don't like to admit. The vehicle you drive can either put you in debt or save you a lot of money on gas. Try to drive a 3 to 6 cylinder car. Some 4 cylinder cars get 54 miles to the gallon on the highway. You can also try the Hybrid car.

Planning your road trips can save you gas and a headache if you can find the shortest route with no road construction. Just look it up on the Internet. Get those reward cards or pay cash and pay less for your gas. If you don't know where you are going or are lost than stop at a gas station or police station. I'm sure someone can direct you to your destination. 

Overloading your trunk or rack, driving with the heat or air conditioning on, purchasing  a gas treatment that suppose to clean your engine and save you gas are all fiction. This includes purchasing the cheapest gas too, it usually has water or ethanol in it which isn't good for your engine. Opening your windows on the highway instead of turning the air on will not save you gas. Now, many people think that if they fill their tank in the morning they will get more gas. Tests have been conducted and the difference was minimal.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Mazurek.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.