by Bob Schmidt

Created on: July 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2011

When it comes to saving gas, some ideas seem more like fiction than fact. Many gas saving tips seem too simple to have any real impact. For example, inflating the tires on a car to recommended maximum pressure sounds like something that probably makes little difference. However,  a tire that is only one psi under-inflated can reduce mileage by 3% according to this website, 

www.fueleconomy.gov. 

Another suggestion that helps save on gasoline is to eliminate unneeded junk from the trunk of an automobile. Carrying as little as an extra 50 pounds does actually impact gas mileage. Manufacturers have long known the value of reducing the weight of cars will benefit their mileage figures. Smart car drivers can use this knowledge to advantage and add slightly to their mileage efficiency.

The best gas saving tip of them all is to drive your car slower, and less aggressively. If the top speed of driving your car was reduced to 60 miles per hour and fast acceleration were eliminated, it is likely that overall mileage could be increased as much as 20%. According to the aforementioned website, this is an accurate percentage of potential savings. That would result in the average driver saving nearly $500. per year in gasoline costs.

Turning off the air conditioner when driving can add a couple of miles per gallon on many cars. By itself, that may realize a 10% savings on gas. Suggestions to stop using radios, and other automobile accessories that use electricity have a minimal effect on mileage, despite the recommendation by some. Filling the gas tank during early hours is another suggestion that has very little impact on saving gas.

Ultimately, saving gasoline is the product of a small amount of discipline combined with good planning. It is not difficult to allow a few extra minutes for most outings in the car, nor is it difficult to combine two or three potential trips into one longer outing. Each mile of driving saved is actually a simple way to save gas. Carpooling is another example of a simple way to save on gas usage.

Instead of waiting for more limited and higher cost gasoline to force smaller cars upon us, it only makes sense to take action now on easy tips to stretch our mileage potential in our present vehicles. Hopefully, new technologies and sources for fuel will ease the present burden of economizing. In the meantime, using the above suggestions could save as much as 25% of the present costs for fuel that many are experiencing.

Sources: www.fueleconomy.gov

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