 FRUGAL FUEL
Eight Tips for Pinching your Gasoline Pennies
One of the hottest media topics today is the increasing price of gas and the effect it has on our daily lives. As consumers, it’s extremely frustrating that we have zero control over these inflated costs. To further aggravate the situation, there's always that person who says something like, "You know, Europeans pay a lot more for gas than we do." Although that is true, it doesn't make it any easier when we are reaching for our wallets at the pump. The absolute worst part about high gas prices is the fact that we have no alternatives. Even hybrid owners have to make a trip to the gas station once and a while, right?
Now that you feel backed into a corner and completely depressed about the situation, what do you do? The answer is simple; reduce the amount of gas you use. I realize it doesn't sound simple, but by modifying a few bad habits, any motorist can be frugal with their fuel, no matter what type of car they drive. Whether you are searching for Incline Village Real Estate, or driving around Lake Tahoe, here are some tips that will help you stretch your tank of gas:
- Slow to Start-Quick start driving is a killer when it comes to burning fuel. Remember that slow and steady wins the race in more ways than one.
- Avoid Long Idles-The bottom line is idling burns more gas than restarting an engine.
- No Junk in the Trunk-Clean out your trunk and the rest of your car for that matter. Excess weight bogs down your vehicle, causing it to burn more fuel.
- Drive the Speed Limit-The higher the speed, the more gas your car will use.
- Breathe Fresh Air-Air conditioning burns gas. Before turning it on, ask yourself if rolling down a window or two might do the trick.
- Use Overdrive and Cruise Control-Most automatic transmissions have these features. If you drive a stick, consult your owner's manual about the recommended RPMs when shifting.
- Keep Tires Inflated and Aligned-Believe it or not, frequent alignments and keeping your tires inflated to the proper amount will save you gas.
- Honor the Scheduled Maintenance-Scheduled maintenance is designed to help your car run as efficiently as possible. Check your owner's manual for specifics.
Now you have eight possible solutions to an otherwise unfixable problem. In addition, you may want to consider carpooling. Walking or riding a bicycle is also a good option. Not only will it save you gas - it'll keep you healthy.
Do you have any tips for saving gas?
Give me a call and tell me about them!
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