Seven Simple Ways To Save Money On Gas

Looking for ways to save money on gas that won't require you to
go out and spend more money just so you can save a few bucks at
the pump.

If you have a perfectly good vehicle, then spending $25k on a
new hybrid car just so you can save $10 when you fill up at the
pump might not be such a good deal.

Also, if you're not the type that wants to install any of those
"gas saving" devices in your car, then this list is for you.

Whether or not you have any mechanical skills, you can use
these no brainier methods to start saving money on gas right
now – even if you don't know how to change a tire.

1 – Get A Gas Card

Want a tip that will save you money every single time you fill
up at the pump no matter what vehicle you drive? It's a gas
card. Just about every major gas station offers their own brand
of gas credit card that will allow you to save 3-5% on all your
gas purchases at their gas stations. Forget about the branded
gas cards and get one that will save you 5% on gas no matter
where you fill up, like the Discover Open Road Card. Just
remember, pay it off every month or it won't save you any
money.

Saving 5% off every gallon of gas means that $3/gallon gas now
costs only $2.85 and $4/gallon becomes $3.80. If you have a 25
gallon tank, you'd save $3.75 every time you filled up
($3/gallon gas).

A lot of people use a credit card when filling up at the pump
anyway since it's easy and convenient. You may as well get a
gas card so it's easy, convenient, and saving you money.

2 – Avoid Aggressive Driving

Hitting the gas hard when the light turns green and braking
hard will make your car drink gas faster than a drunk at an
open bar at a wedding. If you were to drive away from a stop at
a more moderate pace, accelerate in traffic more slowly, and
anticipate when you're going to need to brake ahead of time so
you can do so slowly, you're going to save a lot of gas – up to
37% – about the same buying a hybrid car but this tip won't cost
you anything. (oh yeah, it's safer too)

3 – Use Your Cruise Control

Personally, I won't buy a car if it doesn't have cruise
control, since it means I don't have to worry so much about
keeping my speed constant. However, cruise control also had the
added benefit of saving you gas too. On average, you'll save
about 7% more gas than if you don't use cruise control.

4 – Slow Down

Sure, going fast can be fun. It can also get you a nice
collection of speeding tickets, but more importantly, the
faster you drive the more gas you use. I'm not saying that you
need to drive like your grandmother, but slowing down from 75
to 65 can you 12% on you gas bill, and unless you're driving
across the country, the time difference in getting where you're
going will be minimal.

5 – Stop Idling

Having the car running when it's not moving wastes gas.

I remember being taught when I was first learning to drive that
you should let your car warm up for a few minutes before driving
it anywhere when it's cold outside. While that may be true for
older cars, modern cars don't need warm up time before being
ready to drive. Don't drive like a maniac (see #2) before you
car is completely warmed up and you'll be fine.

If you going to be sitting and waiting some place without
moving for more than about a minute, turn off the engine. It
probably goes without saying that if you can avoid rush hour
traffic, you should.

Also, one great place to sit and waste gas is your local fast
food drive-thru. Get off your lazy butt, get out of your car
and go inside to get your food.

6 – Plan Ahead

Instead of driving to the gym, going home, driving to work,
driving home, driving to the store, and then home again, start
combining trips whenever possible. This is really easy to do if
you just think ahead. Avoid just spontaneously hopping in the
car and driving to the store to pick up some milk and eggs.
Think about what else you can do if you're going to be out
running errands anyway so that you can avoid another trip
later.

5 You got legs – use'em

Really want to save money on gas? Then use your legs. A lot of
trips aren't really that far, and while it takes a little
longer to walk somewhere than to drive there, it's a good
chance to get outside, get some fresh air and get some exercise
in the process. It's really not necessary to drive absolutely
everywhere unless you happen to live in the middle of nowhere.
So get yourself a comfortable pair of tennis shoes and start
walking instead of driving when you can.

Also, a bicycle is a nice compromise between the two, and can
actually be faster to get some places than a car. I remember
when I was in college and moved off campus – although we lived
almost 2 miles from campus, it was a lot faster for me to take
my bicycle to go to class than to take my car.


About The Author: Want even more ways to save money on gas?
Then be sure to visit my site http://www.fuelsavingzone.com/
and download my free report - 61 ways to save money on gas.