Newsflash: Gas prices may reach $5 a gallon this summer here in the U.S. If that news casts a gray cloud over any bright summer plans you were making, fear not. We're here to save the day with these simple hacks to improve your fuel efficiency so you can save some money and natural resources:
- Ditch the roof rack. If you're not loading the car to go to grandma's house, then get rid of the roof rack, which creates drag.
- Clean out your car. Extra weight in your car also increases the amount of gas needed to get from one place to another. Get rid of all that junk in your trunk.
- Don't be a jackrabbit. Quick starts and stops have also shown to waste gas. Ease up on the pedal a bit and accelerate slowly.
- Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires are the easiest way to make sure your car is running well.
- Don't top off. You're just wasting your money when you try to squeeze extra drops into your tank.
- Just park already! Circling the lot six times just to park three spaces closer to the door isn't helping anyone. Enjoy the extra workout and fuel savings.
- Buddy up. Going to the market? Need to go get some home essentials? See if a neighbor or friend nearby also needs to go. Carpools aren't just for work anymore.
- Don't be idle. Idling your car for more than 30 seconds or a minute is foolish. Shut the car off if you'll be stopped for longer than that.
- Know your window etiquette. If you're going faster than 35 mph, keep the windows up (even if it means turning the AC on). This reduces drag.
- Drive less. Think it goes without saying? Well, we said it. Cut out needless trips or batch your errands to lessen the amount of miles you're driving.
Follow these 10 steps and you'll be on your way to saving some serious cash.
Got any fuel tips?
If so, leave them in the comments below so we can all save some money and pollute less!
