How to Save Gas
With Any Car

You have a greater say in whether you save gas than does the type of car you drive. Sure, there is a big difference between a 4 cylinder coupe and an 8 cylinder SUV. But if your family of six can’t get by in a Prius, you need a truck for work, or you can’t afford to trade into a smaller vehicle, there is much you can do to improve fuel efficiency.

Follow these tips to improve your driving habits and reduce the number of miles you drive. First, separate fact from mythology with these myth busters. You can also save gas by reducing your car's load or through getting the most from green cars. To save money on gas, visit the the cheap gas finder.

Do I Have to Drive? Think before you get into your car. Do you have to make this trip, or can it wait until it can be combined with other errands? When at a plaza, mall, or downtown area, park in a central location or nearer to where you will end your shopping (presumably carrying goods)—and walk instead of driving across a parking lot. One third of car trips in the U.S. are less than one mile—an easy 20 minute walk or 5 minute bike.

Car Pool. Ride sharing with one other person will save you 50% in fuel costs. You will also share toll costs, extend the life of your vehicle and cut maintenance costs in half. If you drive 15,000 miles/year and average 25 mpg, your gas saving will be 300 gallons/year. If your area has a commuter lane, sharing will shorten your commute time. Intangible but real side benefits are less pollution and some socializing to pass the time.

For iPhone users, the Carticipate free app allows you to post where you are going and when so you can ride share. Also search for others doing the same.

Use Public Transit. Try it just one day per week—perhaps Friday. Bring a book or favorite music. Using your transit system ensures its continued vitality, helps keep fares down, and encourages the transit authority to add new routes and times. Lower fuel demand will help keep gas prices low, as well as the prices of other petroleum-based products such as plastics.

Drive the Right Vehicle for the Job. Our family of six has a large four door six cylinder sedan for family outings and the shorter commute, and a four cylinder economy car for the longer commute and when there are five or fewer passengers.

Rent or Car Share How often do you really have to use a 4x4, a vehicle with towing capacity or a large SUV or truck? Rent one of these specialty vehicles a few days per year and (1) avoid the often higher initial price for one; (2) save gas and upkeep; and (3) reduce or avoid parking charges. Many urban areas have car share programs allowing you a low cost rental rate that includes insurance.

Be a Tortoise, Not a Hare. Gentle, even acceleration and braking puts less stress on your vehicle and can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40%. Make a game of removing your foot from the accelerator pedal when you see a light change ahead or at an off ramp, and see if you can coast or lightly brake so that you never have to actually stop before proceeding. This conserves your car’s momentum and saves gas. Imagine pulling a heavy wagon. Would you rather repeatedly stop and start pulling again, or simply slow and accelerate slightly?

On the highway, every extra 5 mph over 60 mph you drive has the effect of adding 10 cents per gallon in fuel cost. Use cruise control whenever possible to maximize fuel efficiency.

iPhone users can download the free app Green Gas Saver to train you to drive more efficiently. It analyzes your acceleration and cornering, providing both a visual display and tones to teach you to save gas.

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