10 Simple Tricks to Use Less Gas

Gas prices are going up again, and you’re probably getting angry every time you pull up at the pump. But before you blame the economy or the oil companies, take a closer look at how you drive. You’re probably burning through gas – and money – for no good reason.

It’s time to stop the bleeding. You don’t need to trade in your car for a hybrid to see the difference. You just need to change your habits. According to the Associated Press, small repairs behind the wheel can extend your fuel mileage.

We have shown you ways to save on electricity, but these are different. These are simple, lazy ways you can change your behavior today.

Here are 10 easy ways to get better gas mileage starting today.

10 tips to save on electricity

1. Slow down on the highway: I know you’re in a hurry but speeding hurts your fuel economy. Cars work best at about 50 miles per hour. The Department of Energy notes that every 5 miles per hour you drive over 50 mph is equivalent to paying 27 cents per gallon. Take your foot off the floorboard and stick close to the speed limit.

2. Stop being idle wherever you go: If you’re waiting to pick someone up or you’re sitting in a stationary drive-thru line, turn off your engine. An idling engine burns up to half a liter of gas per hour. It only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart your car. Sitting there running your engine is burning money at zero miles per gallon.

3. Remove the roof rack: If you’re not hauling skis, bikes, or a cargo box, remove that rack from your roof. It creates aerodynamic drag that forces your engine to work harder. That drag can reduce your fuel economy by up to 25% at interstate speeds.

4. Wipe the trash from your trunk: Your car is not a storage unit. Carrying heavy tools, sports equipment, or bags of donated goods that you haven’t left behind is stressful. An extra 100 pounds in your car reduces your gas mileage by about 1%. Clean it up.

5. Check your tire pressure: Underwater tires create more rolling resistance on the pavement. That means your engine has to work harder just to push the car forward. The Associated Press notes that negative inflation can affect your gas mileage by 5% to 10%. Check the sticker on the inside of your driver’s side door for the correct pressure for your tires, take a gauge, and fill them up.

6. Coast to port: Stop firing the engine only to hit the brakes at the next red light. Wait for the traffic to flow. If you see a red light ahead, take your foot off the gas and let the car coast. Aggressive driving wastes an alarming amount of fuel, especially in traffic.

7. Use your cruise control: If you’re driving on a flat highway, turn on your cruise control. It maintains a constant speed much better than your foot, eliminating small, heavy accelerations and decelerations that burn more gas.

8. Stop buying premium gas: Unless your owner’s manual clearly states that premium fuel is required, you are wasting money. Most modern cars drive normally. Premium gas does not clean your engine better or give you more power if your car is not designed for it.

9. Change the date you fill: Gas prices fluctuate depending on the day of the week. If you fill up on a Thursday, you’re choosing the worst day of the week to buy gas. Research shows that Monday is the cheapest day to hit the pump. Plan your filling accordingly.

10. Buy your gas at warehouse clubs: If you have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, you should get your gas there. Their prices are always lower than regular channels. There’s another reason to buy gas from Costco: It meets Top Tier standards, which means it contains ingredients that prevent engine deposits from building up, keeping your car running smoothly.

Start using these strategies today. They don’t cost a dime, but they will save a lot of your extra money in your wallet.