I used to drive on the freeway everyday. It was an efficient way to get to work and it also saved me money on gas. If I took surface streets I would need to start and stop many times and burn more fuel.

To save money on gas you can do several things to drive differently. You can also save money by maintaining your car. How much gas you save may be significant over the course of many months.

When I drive long distance I try to maintain a consistent speed. I notice that I can reliably predict how much gas I will have at certain distances. Once you apply all the tips in this articles you will better be able to reduce how much you pay for gas over time.

1. Go the Speed Limit to Save Gas

If you are driving on the freeway, considering going the speed limit even if other cars are going fast. The harder your engine works the more gas it will use.

Next time your on a road trip remember that “reducing your speed by 5 to 10 mph can improve fuel economy by 7%–14%.” (afdc.energy.gov)

It is recommended that you travel with a constant speed. About 50 miles per hour is were fuel efficiency start to drop, so a slower freeway speed can help. Making sharp acceleration will increase the amount of fuel that is consumed by your engine.

2. Use Cruise Control to Save Gas

Over the years, manufacturers have developed innovative features to set their vehicles apart from the competition and to improve fuel efficiency. One of these technologies is cruise control. The latter allows the car to run at a constant speed when you are on the highway and there is no more need for you to use the accelerator.

By controlling the speed of the vehicle, the car will be able to enjoy as much as 20% fuel savings.

The good thing about this feature is that it is not only money-saving, but it is also convenient as it makes driving a lot easier.

3. Servicing Car to Save Gas

Periodic maintenance is one of the most important things to keep the vehicle in its tip-top condition. A good thing to do is to consult with the owner manual and see the recommendations from the manufacturer on the things that should be replaced after a specified period of time.

Fixing a out of tune car can improve gas mileage about 4%. Fixing other problems such as a oxygen sensor can improve mileage as much as 40%. (exxon.com)

Tuning up your car, changing belts, and changing oil are some of the things that should be done within a specific timeframe. In most vehicles, experts recommend that the oil and oil filter should be changed after running for 4,500 miles. The air filter and plugs should also be replaced to avoid incurring high repair costs in the future.

4. Turn Off Air Conditioning to Save Gas

The air conditioning is one of the power-hungry components that you have in your car, which makes it use more fuel. According to car experts, by turning off the air conditioning when you are driving, it is possible to save as much as 15% gas.

If you live in a place where it is cold, there is no problem in not using an AC. However, if it is hot, there are some things that can be done.

For instance, you should park it in a shaded and cool area. Opening your windows will also do the trick. However, open the windows when running below 55 miles per hour. Otherwise, it is no longer economical.

5. Map Out Your Route To Save Gas

I often use Google Maps to map out the fastest way to get to a location. Sometimes there’s a more direct route that is more fuel efficient but takes longer. Usually, taking traffic into consideration, the freeway is the most fuel efficient.

If going somewhere new or where phone signals are not so great, doing a little planning can help you save lots of gas because you won’t get lost.

If I was lost while driving my truck which gets about 20 MPG and drove for 15 minutes or about 15 miles that might cost me around $3 if the gas prices were $4 per gallon.

Planning your route can seem like a small thing, but sadly, a lot of people miss out on this. Before you head out, think of all the things that you have to do for the day. If possible, make one trip out instead of lots of trips back and forth.

6. Avoid Wind and Rains to Save Fuel

When it is raining, it is a given fact that the road is slippery. This can be a significant safety issue for many, especially for novice drivers.

More than your safety, however, driving in the rain should be avoided as much as possible as it can also help you to save gas.

When it is dry, the wind drag makes it harder for the car to move, making it consume more fuel. However, it becomes even worse during the rainy days. The water resistance is the one to be blamed for this. Wet roads require extra effort for the tires, which makes it use more fuel.

7. Monitor your Tire Pressure

It is important that you get the highest possible pressure for your tires. This will be instrumental in the improvement of rolling resistance and your gas mileage. Under-inflated tires by 0.1 ATM can make your car consume more fuel by as much as 2 to 3%.

It is not enough that you inflate the car just once. Keep on monitoring its pressure and reapply once it is necessary. This is especially important if you are in a place where it is often cold.

8. Remove Weight to Save Gas

Especially for people on the go, they consider their car as their second home. Wouldn’t it be convenient if you have everything that you need in your car? However, added weight in your car will only make it use more gas as it runs.

Take a look at your car and remove anything that is unnecessary. Aside from the spare wheel and basic tools for emergency repairs

9. Keep an Eye on Gas Prices

With a little effort you can find the best prices on gas. I have used GasBuddy many times to find good gas prices near me. I usually use the phone are but they also have a website.

There are several websites that you can use to help you save money on gas. Additionally, watch the news and see when the gas prices will go up to plan ahead.

Before that day comes, load a full tank so that you can save. In the long run, it can add up to some good savings.

10. Stay Alert to Save Gas

By being vigilant on the road, you are not only prioritizing your safety, but you are also able to save gas. It may seem like commonsensical, but still, a lot of people often get distracted when they are driving.

If you slowly come to a stops and accelerate properly from stops you will be able to save gas. Popular mechanics says that, “taking 15 seconds to accelerate to 50 mph used less fuel than taking 30 seconds to reach the same speed.”

So, don’t take off fast but don’t go slow either when trying to reach your cuising speed you need.

Final Thoughts

Given the 10 driving tips that will save you gas money mentioned above, we hope that you can save gas on your next trip out.

You can improve gas mileage and save money by taking the time to ensure your driving is efficient and your car has been maintained.

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