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How do I Save Money on Gas?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

There are a variety of ways you can save money on gas, including keeping your car in good operating condition and taking the highway whenever possible. You may also consider downgrading to a smaller car of a hybrid model. Additionally, avoiding driving at all or taking public transportation or a carpool are also options.

The best way to save money on gas is to ensure that you car is in good working order. Change the oil regularly and make sure that your tires are inflated to the optimum pressure, as air pressure that is too low can hinder fuel efficiency. If you believe that your car may not be running as well as it should, visit a licensed technician to find the problem. Even if your car seems to be in good working order, you may choose to have it looked over for any areas which may be effecting your gas mileage.

Sports utility vehicles often have poor gas mileage.
Sports utility vehicles often have poor gas mileage.

If your car is already running smoothly but is still getting poor gas mileage, you may save money on gas by downsizing to a small car. Sedans tend to have better fuel efficiency than larger sport utility vehicles. If you need the extra storage or seating, mini vans and other similar items are designed to be roomy while still getting good gas mileage.

A plug-in hybrid car can help save money on gas.
A plug-in hybrid car can help save money on gas.

Hybrid cars are also a good way to save money on gas if you can afford the expense. These are cars which have engines that run both on gasoline and electricity. While driving at low speeds, the electric part of the engine kicks in and prevents the car from using too much gas. This allows hybrids to get much better gas mileage than conventional vehicles.

Some minivans have good gas mileage.
Some minivans have good gas mileage.

You may not be able to get a new car or visit a mechanic right away, but there are other ways you can save money on gas that do not cost much up front. Taking public transportation a few times per week will save on gas and the price is relatively inexpensive when compared to paying for gas. You may also get together with coworkers and take turns carpooling to work so that you aren’t doing as much driving.

Discussion Comments

indigowater

Easy ways to save money when it comes to cars:

Drive 70 mph instead of 80

Check your tire pressure often

Avoid aggressive moves (quick acceleration and braking)

Get regular engine tune ups

Trade in an older car for a newer one that gets at least 30 mpg

Get discounts on car tires by checking online before you buy

sobeit

I test drove a hybrid with my son and yes, it will save on gas money, but seriously...I hated the fact that the air conditioning turned completely off at each red light. Yes, while the car was idling, the air conditioning would just shut off.

While this might not be a problem for most people, it was a huge problem for a menopausal women suffering from hot flashes on a typical Florida summer's day. We're talking 105° F in the shade!

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    • Sports utility vehicles often have poor gas mileage.
      Sports utility vehicles often have poor gas mileage.
    • A plug-in hybrid car can help save money on gas.
      A plug-in hybrid car can help save money on gas.
    • Some minivans have good gas mileage.
      By: jamalludin din
      Some minivans have good gas mileage.
    • Keeping tires properly inflated can help save gas.
      By: Mark Herreid
      Keeping tires properly inflated can help save gas.
    • Carpooling is one way to save money on gas.
      By: trekandshoot
      Carpooling is one way to save money on gas.
    • Gas mileage may be improved by avoiding speeding.
      By: Marc Xavier
      Gas mileage may be improved by avoiding speeding.
    • Switching cars to a small sedan might save on gas.
      By: Robert Wilson
      Switching cars to a small sedan might save on gas.
    • Some stations offer a lower price for buying gas with cash instead of a credit card.
      By: Africa Studio
      Some stations offer a lower price for buying gas with cash instead of a credit card.
    • Stockpiling gasoline when it is cheaper can help save money.
      By: Winai Tepsuttinun
      Stockpiling gasoline when it is cheaper can help save money.
    • Cars typically have better fuel mileage if their oil is changed regularly.
      By: photopitu
      Cars typically have better fuel mileage if their oil is changed regularly.