10 Tips to Save Gas

When I first got to California I could fill up my tank with $11. Today, this obvious history! I bet you are just like me wondering what to do to save money while improving you gas mileage. So what can you do? Follow these 10 tips to safe gas will help you get a better gas mileage while saving money.

Check your tires
Check your inflation! More than providing you safety, a well inflated tire can help you improve your gas mileage and reduce your overall miles per gallon consumption. It will gives your tires better grip since more of the tire surface will touch the road. Moreover , the right  pressure will make your tires to last longer and ensures a safe trip – even on slippery roads.

Regular maintenance
A car is a machine, it needs to be taken care of, maybe even more than a regular machine since most of us use it every day.You can maintain your car while saving money on gas and stay within a low budget. Oil changes are available for low costs. To increase your gas mileage it is important to keep track of your oil change; a good benchmark is to change your oil every 3000 miles. Also, check the air filter of your car. This is something you can easily do yourself and it will improve  the functioning of your car and also decrease your gas consumption.

A little breeze doesn’t hurt
Roll down your windows when the heat is tolerable. Save the Air Conditioning for the hottest days. But be aware, AC will actually be more fuel efficient while driving over 55pmh, since the windows at higher speed create a drag that decrease your gas mileage.

Save you breaks
Don’t drive faster than you need…. To stay out of the technical terms, just know that breaking can burn as much gas as accelerating. Plus getting back to your previous speed will  consume even more fuel. Respect the speed limit, keep the security distance to the car in front of you. It will allow you to anticipate better, break less and stop burning your gas with the constant the break/acceleration game.

Get gas on Wednesday
You should avoid filling up your tank during the weekend. It is true that gas prices usually go up then. Wednesday is recognized as the best price day!  Also, remember to fill up your tank no later than 3 days before holidays… prices always increase then as well. One more note on “good timing” to fill up your tank: Get gas in the mornings or evenings. It’s cooler and reduces evaporation and fumes.

Get off the freeway
Today the GPS gives you a great opportunity to find alternative roads, or even short cuts that can help you get from point A to point B without entering the freeway. Getting stuck in traffic is actually the biggest waste of gas, as you are burning your fuel without moving forward. Don’t be afraid to take small roads and highways that can save you gas. Getting of the freeway is also the more scenic option to get to your destination. See beautiful landscapes, little towns and drive on winding roads rather than spending your day in a huge traffic jam!

Think healthy
Instead of driving 2 minutes to the store, looking for parking, locking your car it might be faster and of course much healthier to just leave the car at home to run your errands. Walk or use your bike to get to places nearby. Leave you car at home sometimes and stay in your neighborhood. On parking lots get used to walking and stop moving your car from store to store… park in the middle! And if you feel like helping the environment as well, (which is good for your health too) take advantage of public transport once in a while! Especially in cities, it can often be the cheaper alternative as you also safe the money for parking!

Use the best gas grade for your car
Follow the instruction in your car manual to select the suggested gas grade for your car. The most expensive option doesn’t always mean it is the most fuel efficient choice for your car model. You can save a few cents here and there as well when you chose the right gas grade for your car.

Your trunk is not a storage space
The heavier the car is the more fuel it burns. You will have a better gas mileage if you keep your car as a transport tool and not as an extra storage space. So only leave the stuff in your car that you really need and put those beach chairs, extra clothes and water bottles at home unless you use them.

Park in the shade
The sun heats up your car and creates evaporation of  liquids – your gas as well! Find a spot in the shade, even if that means walking a bit more. Diminish the fume evaporation and help preserve the environment! And, come on! who really likes to enter a steaming hot car after being parked an hour in the sun? Shade will keep your car a bit cooler; you might not even need to turn on the AC…

Saving gas does not only mean saving money, but also the environment. Fox Rent A Car supports Green Driving and saving the environment. Fox offers a special 5 % off on all Hybrid car rentals. If you have more advice on how to save gas, let us know and we will add it to our list!