How to Save Money at the Pump

Everyone is looking to save money anyway that they can right now, and what better way to save than to keep a few extra bucks in your pocket every time you visit the pump. When most people think of ways to save money on gas, they think of putting in that fancy new intake or upgrading to a hybrid. What they are overlooking is one of the biggest factors of their total mpg, themselves! Many car experts agree that the easiest way to save on gas is to change your driving habits.

Tip 1: Ease Up

When I'm in the car with my friends or whoever, I always notice that the driver (and all of the other drivers around me) are accelerating way to fast. It is much better for your mileage if you just take your mind out of that nascar race you are winning and drive consciously. Seriously, next time you get in your car try to ease up on that peddle a little bit while you take off and save yourself some money while your at it.

Tip 2: Coast to Coast

Many drivers often keep their foot pressed to floor a lot harder then they really need to. You can fatten up your wallet if you lighten up your foot a little when you are cruising on the highway or back roads.

Tip 3: Pay Attention

People laugh when I tell them this, but really they are just ignorant. Pay attention when you drive and notice things like cars with brake lights in front of you or approaching hills. Noticing these driving conditions can allow you to slow down before you need to actually brake, which will give your wallet a break if done properly. I always like to play a little game that my driving instructor told me about, whenever you are on the highway (or any road for that matter) see how long you can go for without braking. I don't mean to be a reckless driver and crash into everyone, but rather pay attention and see if you can let off the gas quickly enough to avoid minor breaking or switch lanes rather than hitting the brakes for other merging cars.

Tip 4: Reach Your Peak

Just because you car can go 160 mph doesn't mean that its the best idea. Try slowing down a little bit to speed up your savings. Most cars hit their peak level of performance at around 65-70 mph. But even just going 55-60 can still save you gas. If you would like to know the science of this look up the difference in the amount of energy it takes to move a car at those different speeds and you will see how this can be a major player in your total gas consumption.