Living the Frugal Life

I have read so many tips about how save gas and have tried almost every one of them. I have even driven around in 90 degree temperatures with no air conditioner!

After a little bit of research, I have determined the #1 way to save gas and improve fuel economy. With this one tip, you can see almost instant hybrid-type gas savings without buying a new car. Depending on how you currently drive, you could save up to 37% on your fuel economy. If you also combine trips and perform regular maintenance, you be talking serious cash. So, what is the #1 way to save gas and improve fuel economy? Simple…

CHANGE YOUR DRIVING HABITS!

Edmunds.com recently tested the top theories about saving gas. They found that some of the theories don’t actually matter that much when it comes to saving gas. So, how can your change your driving habits?

Don’t be an aggressive driver - The most significant way to save gas is your own gas pedal foot.

Don’t mash the gas when you start up. Accelerate moderately and brake lightly. By simply slowing your acceleration pace from 10 seconds to 15 seconds, you’ll notice significant savings.

Drive the speed limit - even better savings on a long trip. The US Dept of Energy says that gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds 60 MPH and above. As a rule of thumb you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. Also, this is generally safer and you could avoid speeding tickets.

Use Cruise Control - surprisingly effective way to save gas. Using cruise control helps you avoid aggressive acceleration and helps you avoid reacting to changes in traffic by taking the long view of the road. The only way cruise control is not effective is in mountainous areas - your car will want to stay the same speed and will use extra gas down shifting to do so.

Avoid the drive-thru - if you are going to be more than a minute, it’s best just to park. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines. Try to avoid idling for more than 1 minute.

What doesn’t work:

Air conditioner off, windows down. They found no measurable difference! The A/C does use gas to run, but not significant especially on modern cars. Plus having the windows down increases drag canceling out any improvement in gas mileage.

So, the #1 way to save gas and improve fuel economy all has to do with changing your driving habits. If you can change with the tips from above, not only will you see significant gas savings but you will also see reduced stress, greater safety, and hopefully no speeding tickets.

What are other bloggers saying about gas savings?

The Simple Dollar: A gas station trick that puts money in your pocket

Five Cent Nickel: Improve gas mileage by 15%

Ecotrekker: 101 ways to use less gas

Financial Ramblings: What will you do if gas prices go…down?

Free from Broke: Beware deceptive gas prices

Free Money Finance: Saving on gas myths

Living the Frugal Life was featured on the Carnival of Personal Finance.