Gas is Expensive. Here are some real-world tips to help your gas money go further.
By Naomi Fiordiomondo
Feel free to share these tips with friends and family!
Gas is expensive. That’s not news. You still need to get things done. How do you keep moving without inflation? Here are some real-world tips to help your gas money go further.
First thing’s first, skip the high-octane gas. Every engine is designed to burn fuel at a specific temperature. Check your owner's manual or the inside of your gas door to see what you should be using. The "Premium" or high octane gas - and its premium price tag - is designed for premium cars. For the rest of us, Regular 87 octane gas is the perfect fit. Anything more than that, and you’re wasting your money.
Next up, maintain your ride. A happy, healthy vehicle uses less gas - and needs less work down the road. Gunky oil and dirty filters make your engine work harder. So, don’t put off your maintenance visits!
BTW, our VID Members pay $0 for all annual maintenance visits. This includes oil changes! So, no matter the price of oil, your cost is fixed for the whole year. You just come in, we take care of it, and you're out the door for $0. Sweet deal!
OK. Back to the nitty gritty of saving gas …
Low tire pressure can greatly increase gas consumption. Cars made after 2008 have built-in pressure sensors (TPMS), but they can be fickle. So can the electronic gauges at the gas station. But a basic $5 tire pressure gauge is a handy and reliable tool to keep in your car for a quick tire check - ideally done when your tires are cold.
When checking your tire pressure, be sure to go by your car manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. You can find this number in the owner’s manual or the info sticker in the driver-side door jam. Do NOT go by the number on the tire sidewall. That is the MAXIMUM pressure for the tire. (For more on tires, check out our Glove Box Guide, starting on page 174.)
All right, now I’m gonna get personal... You gotta get that junk outta yo trunk! Extra weight = extra work for the engine … so clean out your car. (No body shaming here. Just gas savings.)
To further streamline things, ditch the roof and bike racks. They create drag which also forces your car to work harder.
Next up, let's discuss your driving. Is your style more NY cabbie or granny? I'm sure it's no surprise, but the slow-and-steady approach will get you the best gas mileage. You don't have to go full-blown granny but try to stick to steady starts, gradual stops, and the speed limit - or at least below 3,000 RPMs. (It's plenty fast. We promise.) This means, No jackrabbit starts. No sudden stops. And don't step on the gas to get through that yellow light.
Another lesson we can take from granny: look for a good deal. Club membership, store rewards programs, and paying in cash can all reduce your bill. You can also download a gas app to compare current pump prices around you and to watch for trends - like Mon and Tues when gas prices are usually at their lowest price.
OK. Here’s a biggie: Don’t idle. Straight up. Just turn it off. I know chilling in your car with the crisp AC and music on 11 is so wonderfully indulgent. But idling - while parked, at lights, in traffic, or in the drive-thru - all add up fast and can really eat into your gas mileage. (Idle = anything more than 7-10 seconds at rest)
Lastly, don’t ignore that check engine light! It means your car is not burning fuel correctly. At best, you are wasting gas, and, at worst, you may be destroying your engine.
Of course, the most straightforward way to save gas money is to just drive less. Plan out your trips to get the most done in the fewest miles. Or, better yet, work that body and walk or bike there!
I challenge you to pick out just one or two of these and stick with it. When you get into a groove, add a couple more into your routine. Then work in a few more. Before you know it, all these little modifications have added up, and you're gas-saving ways will become second nature!