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Fuel Economy

Ways to save money on gas

Lower your Fuel Expenses
Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel-efficient way of driving. A vehicle travelling at 37mph in third gear uses 25 percent more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear. Try to increase the speed of the vehicle slowly and steadily.

Drive smoothly
Think ahead! By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear. Try to predict traffic at junctions and when in queuing to avoid accelerating and then braking. Research suggests driving techniques can influence car fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

Switch off your engine
Switching your engine off for short periods of time can actually increase fuel consumption, as it requires more fuel to get the engine started. However if you are stopped for more than a few minutes then your car will simply burn less fuel with the engine stopped.

Drive off promptly to prevent wasting fuel
Don't leave your engine running when you first start up. Drive off straight away if you can, but drive gently until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. This doesn't increase fuel efficiency as such, but it does mean your engine is switched on for less time.

Lighten your load
Think carefully about what you need on a journey. if you do not need something, do not pack it. Remove roof racks if not needed. The lighter the load, the lower the fuel consumption, and emissions, and the higher the fuel efficiency.

Tyres effect fuel efficiency
It is estimated that about 50% of tyres on the road are under inflated. Aside from increasing the rate of wear, this wastes fuel and decreased your fuel efficiency. Check your tyre pressures every fortnight. Worn tyres will also decrease fuel efficiency (and your safety!), so check the tread regularly. If you are replacing tyres then consider some of the newer 'Eco' tyres that are designed specifically to increase fuel efficiency.

Car Windows
Driving with your windows open drastically reduces your fuel efficiency, far more so than putting the air conditioning on when motorway driving. So in those hot summers(?) preferably keep the windows shut, and the air conditioning on if you want to keep cool. Of course the air conditioning decreases fuel efficiency too, so try not to over use it.

Leave the car at home!
Probably the best way to decrease the amount of petrol you burn, is to leave the car and home, and take a bike, bus, or


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Ways to save money on gas

  • 1 of 39

    by Nawab Islam

    Lower your Fuel Expenses Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel-efficient way ... read more

  • 2 of 39

    by T.B.

    A penny pinched is a penny saved, and if you can save about 450 pennies or so, you can have a gallon of gas (maybe)! ... read more

  • 3 of 39

    by Lydia Black

    Feeling the pinch at the pump? Petrol prices in the UK have increased by an enormous 25% in the last twelve months... read more

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Ways to save money on gas

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