How to Save Gas by
Taking a Load Off

The following ideas show you how to save gas by reducing the load on your vehicle. You can also save gas through better driving habits or by switching to one of several types of green cars.

Think about carrying a large suitcase up stairs versus climbing the same stairs wearing a snug fitting back pack. Or doing it wearing sneakers versus in dress shoes. Your body burns more fuel in one case than the other, right? The same principles apply to your car.

Improve Your Machine

How to save gas by reducing the load on your car can be roughly divided into three categories: Friction, Convenience and Mechanics.

The number one way to save gas is to reduce road and air resistance. Your tires need friction with the road so you can maintain control, but too much friction eats into your gas mileage and your pocketbook.

Did you know that the original manufacturer-supplied tires are likely better than 60% of the replacement tires on the market? The manufacturer wants a happy, repeat customer. When you replace a worn original tire, look closely at tire specifications. How long they are guaranteed to last is but one measure. A great way to save gas is by reducing rolling resistance.

Tires having a “fuel efficient,” “gas saver” or “energy” tag to their names are less common and may be a bit harder to locate. But their combination of low heat-production materials and low-friction tread translates to gas savings for you. According to a study by the California Energy Commission, these tires are as safe as other tires in their categories. For a good description of how to save gas with proper tire specifications, as well as a huge selection of quality used tires, check here.

If your tires are properly inflated but you feel a shudder or wobble as you drive, see a mechanic to adjust the tire balance or a possible tire alignment problem, which when repaired will guarantee you the best gas mileage.

Unnecessary air friction can reduce your gas mileage by 10-15%. An unloaded roof rack creates enough drag to drop your fuel efficiency by 10%, so remove it when it’s not in use. A loaded rack eats into efficiency by 15%. A low profile rental trailer is a better idea for that summer vacation gear haul than a towering roof rack.

Air conditioning reduces your fuel efficiency by 1 mpg. On those less steamy days, try cracking open the windows and using the vent to allow fresh air to flow through the car. You will not increase air drag much while catching a breeze.

How to save gas in winter is easy as well. Warming your car up before driving is simply not necessary from a mechanical perspective. Check your owner’s manual, which will advise you to start out with moderate driving to warm your engine, not extended idling. This simply wastes gas and pollutes the air you breathe.

The same holds true for letting your windshield defroster melt snow or ice rather than using an ice scraper. If you do the work, you’ll give yourself a bit of exercise to warm yourself while saving cash.

If you are shopping for a new car or deciding which vehicle to use on a given trip, consider that a manual (stick shift) transmission provides up to 20% more fuel efficiency than the same vehicle with an automatic transmission, along with being vastly cheaper to maintain.

While you’re shopping, look closely before buying an all wheel or 4x4 vehicle. Unless you drive in an area with very rugged or poorly maintained roads or you do lots of heavy towing, the additional initial cost, added weight and lower fuel efficiency of AWD or 4x4 is not worth it.

Front wheel drive is the top choice over AWD, 4x4 and rear wheel drive for its space saving design, which lowers air friction, as well as its fuel efficiency.

Follow your owner’s manual for scheduled car maintenance. Shorting on this will cost you money every day. Change the oil and filter regularly to reduce friction and engine wear. Change your air filter, spark plugs and plug wires to ensure the best possible combustion.

A poorly tuned exhaust system can cause back pressure which will reduce fuel economy. Sluggish performance could mean a clogged EGR (emission gas recirculation) system or malfunctioning exhaust system.

Combining these “ounces of prevention” will add up to many pounds of savings with very little expense on your part. Show your friends how to save gas. The lower the demand, the lower the price!

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