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20 Ways to Save Gas

With gas prices on the rise – all indications suggest U.S. prices could hit $4 a gallon, or more, by the end of the coming summer – many people are looking for ways to lessen the hit. Several email forwards have been circulating, containing suggestions for how to get the most fuel for your money at the pump.

Expert opinions suggest most of those recommendations – from never letting your tank get below the half-full mark to filling up at a slower speed – are little more than urban legends, based on shaky science. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways you can make your fuel dollars stretch. The following are some proven techniques from the Farmers' Almanac for saving on fuel:

1. Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Maintaining a consistent speed can reduce your fuel usage by as much as 37 percent.
2. Drive the speed limit. Slower speeds can save up to 14 percent of your gas.
3. Use overdrive and cruise control if your car has them, for up to 14-percent savings.
4. If you plan to stop for more than a minute, shut off your engine. Reducing the time you spend idling can reduce your fuel usage by up to 19 percent.
5. Unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. Every 100 pounds of weight reduces fuel economy by one mile per gallon.
6. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.
7. Keep your car well tuned.
8. Use the recommended grade of motor oil.
9. Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation can reduce your fuel economy by up to 3 percent. If you don’t know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, look on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar.
10. Never “warm up” your engine before driving; it isn’t necessary.
11. Park in the shade and/or leave windows slightly open in warm weather to reduce the need for air conditioning.
12. Use API certified "Energy Conserving" motor oil.
13. Do not use mid-grade or premium grade gasoline unless required for your specific vehicle.
14. Never overfill the tank. The excess just evaporates, which means you’re paying extra just to pollute the air.
15. Calculate your average gas mileage periodically. Declining fuel efficiency can be an early indicator of mechanical problems.
16. Carpool whenever possible. Many cities and states and Rideshare program to help commuters save money and lessen their environmental impact.
17. Combine errands to reduce your number of car trips each week.
18. If possible, consider working from home least part of the time, or once a week.
19. Consider moving closer to where you work, or finding a job closer to home.
20. Plan your vacations closer to home. Learn more about the recreational and cultural opportunities available in your area.