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In our part of the country—the Midwest—we have seen gasoline prices drop $.26 per gallon from a week ago and drop $1.71 from six weeks ago, according to the Energy Information Administration website.

How long these lower prices will hang around is always an unknown. What I do know for sure is I improved my driving habits when fuel costs were at their highest mark. If you’re like me and made some changes, now is not the time to fall back into our old ways. So here are some reminders on how to raise your car’s gas efficiency. After all, we can sure put the money we’ll save to other good uses!

Gas Up. Purchasing gasoline during the coolest time of day can make a difference. The cooler it is outside, the denser the gasoline. Gas pumps measure volume of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You get more for your buck when the fuel concentration is at its greatest density.

Start your engine. Newer cars are made to run when cold. Thirty to 45 seconds is plenty of time to warm up your engine on cold mornings.

You’re off. Avoid quick starts when accelerating from a dead stop if you want your carburetor to operate at its best, resulting in better fuel economy.

Slow down. If you travel at or below the legal speed limit, your car will enjoy a better gas efficiency. Experiments have proven that for every mile above 55 mph, we lose 1% of our vehicle’s fuel economy.

Get in gear. Using a shift stick? If you travel in gears that are too low for your speed, your auto will consume much more fuel than necessary.

Windows. When traveling at high speeds, keeping windows closed will cut down on the air drag your car experiences.

Look ahead. Steady driving will help your fuel economy. Accelerating as you approach a red light or stop sign uses more gas and can shorten the life of your brakes.

Tune it. Your car will operate more efficiently with regular tune-ups. Remember timely oil changes and check air filters as well.

Lighten Up. If you’re carting around extra weight in your car or trunk, removing it will result in better gas mileage.

Tires matter. Check your owner’s manual for information on tire suggestions for your car. Inflating to the maximum psi will slightly increase your auto’s fuel efficiency.

In the pool. Join or form an office car pool or share rides when traveling to sports or social events. Sharing fuel expenses can be a big help to your budget.

Plan ahead. Plan trips and errands well to avoid unnecessary driving.

Sources:

www.fueleconomy.gov
www.edmunds.com

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