With the trend in rising prices at the pump, people are searching for solutions to becoming more gas efficient.  What some people just don’t seem to realize is that there are more things that can be done in terms of saving pennies at the pump than just shopping around for the best price.  In an attempt to recognize some of these money saving alternatives, it is also important to note that these alternatives should be used in conjunction with each other to maximize total fuel efficiency.  Here are just a few ways to take full advantage at the pump.

• Proper vehicle preventive maintenance – Keeping your vehicle tuned-up will greatly affect the vehicle’s gas efficiency.  Proper maintenance on other vehicle parts such as the air filter will also help burn less gas.  A dirty air filter results in the engine not getting enough of the air supply needed to run efficiently.  

• Properly inflated tires – Having your tires properly inflated is one of the cheapest ways to manage your gas fuel efficiency.  Some studies show that one out of every four drivers is driving with one or more tires under-inflated.  According to automobile manufacturer’s recommendations, a tire under-inflated every 4 to 5 psi, (pounds per square inch), can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by over 10 percent.  As a result, the tire tread life will also diminish.

• Driving at moderate speed levels – Putting it simply, the faster you drive the more gas you use.  According to a survey done by the Automotive Fleet publication, drivers waste 15 percent more fuel by driving at speeds of 65 miles per hour rather than at 55 miles per hour.  If a driver wanted to conserve more of their fuel, a great way to begin is to simply follow the speed limits.   

• Eliminate unnecessary weight – Another fuel efficiency preserver would include getting rid of unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially in your trunk.  According to AutoZone, for every 200 pounds of weight in your vehicle represents an additional mile off your fuel efficiency.  Numerous drivers like to accumulate unnecessary things in their vehicle and removing those items could help reduce their costs at the pump.

• Reduce your idling time – When your vehicle is idling, it is wasting gas.  In times of long idling, it is best to simply shut off your engine.  Starting your engine requires about the same amount of energy as having your vehicle idle for half a minute.  

• Watch your driving habits – When accelerating, your vehicle calls for an additional surge of fuel.  In order to gain your vehicle’s best fuel economy, drivers should pay attention to their driving behaviors and limit their aggressiveness on the road.  

• Purchase gasoline in the morning – According to automotive experts from Kelly Blue Book, drivers can help save their vehicle’s fuel economy by purchasing gasoline in the morning.  When consumers purchase gasoline, they are charged by the amount or volume of fuel they put in their vehicles, not by the density of gasoline itself.  As a result, it is recommend that consumers purchase gasoline at times when the temperature outside is the coolest and gasoline is at its densest.  

• Become energy conscious of your vehicle – Conserving your vehicle’s energy consumption is yet another critical practice in maximizing fuel economy.  One prime example, the air conditioner, is one of the biggest drains on your vehicle’s engine and fuel economy.  Using the air conditioner only when needed and not just as a simple fan can immediately help save you gasoline.
  
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