Got Gas? (The car kind not the bodily nosie kind.)

Watching the numbers steadily rising as you dreadfully pour gasoline into your vehicle can be heartbreaking for anybody. But unless you hang up your keys and opt for public transportation or buy an electric vehicle, gas is a necessity and there isn’t much we can do about the price. When and if prices begin to fall is anyone’s guess, in the mean time we’ve got a few tips that will help you cut the cost of fuel consumption.

Stop the road rage. Driving like a crazy person and overexerting your engine is a great way to burn extra fuel. Also, avoid revving your engine as this too can cause you to waste fuel, and let’s face it, nobody likes a show-off. Instead, accelerate lightly and keep your speed at the posted speed limit because the faster you’re driving the more gas you’re wasting. According to Shell’s website, speed, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gasoline mileage by 5 percent at lower speeds around town and 33 percent at highway speeds.

Shop around. As with anything else, finding the cheapest place to purchase gas could save you money at the pump. Check out applications such as Cheap Gas! for your iPhone. The app will help you find the cheapest gasoline nearest to where you are and then map a route to where the cheap gas is. In addition to phone applications, you can take advantage of discount programs at stores such as Wal-Mart. If you purchase gasoline at a Wal-Mart station using a Wal-Mart gift card, they’ll knock 3 cents off your purchase, now while this might not seem like much of a savings, every penny counts in the long run.

Don’t neglect your vehicle. Maintaining your vehicle and making certain that it is running properly is a sure way to save at the pump. Regular tune-ups and routine maintenance will ensure that your engine burns less fuel. Also, avoid carrying extra junk in your trunk. Only carry what you need to increase fuel efficiency.

Check the air in your tires. Maintaining proper air pressure can reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses while driving. Keeping the proper amount of pressure in your tires can boost your gasoline mileage by at least 3 percent, according to Shell.

Put your top on. Sure you might look sexy as your hair flows in the wind on a cool summer night, but driving with your top and windows up will minimize air drag, saving you gas.

While we can’t control the price of gasoline, we can control our driving habits. Follow these simple tips and make your wallet a little happier this summer.

 

Do you have some tips to share about how to save money on gas? Let us know! We’d love to read your comments.