Gas: Less pollution in the air more money in your pocket

Everyone has finally started to realize that gas for transportation is a big problem. There are a couple ways to attack this problem now as more energy technology for cars comes in. For this entry I will focus on the simple small things that can help anyone save gas regardless of what they drive. In the future I will discuss the stuff about hybird cars, alternative transportation, and alternative fuel sources because they deserve their own entries.

One of the greatest gas saving tips is to keep your tires filled to the correct PSI (air pressure) at all times. (usually on a sticker located on the car door somewhere). By keeping all 4 tires inflated to the correct level your car will be able to move easier and save much more gas. Having the insufficient PSI is like driving with flat tires. Most gas stations/mechanics have a motorized air pump you can use.

Air conditioning and heating also use a ton of gas. Keeping the windows open while using the heat or air conditioning will waste even more gas. I used to use the windows at first then I would turn on the ac and roll up the windows if the heat got unbearable.

Another tip has to do with actual driving. The longer you keep the car at a steady speed the less gas it uses. The gas guzzling culprits are stop and go traffic situations. Traffic jams and street driving (non-highway with many lights) kill gas usage. Avoiding unnecessary accelerations can also save gas. Constantly accelerating to pass cars and weaving through traffic wastes a ton of gas. Basically, try to find driving times and routes that will allow you move at a consistent speed.

I also found that weight matters. I used to drive with a bunch of stuff in my old car that I didn’t use. Sports equipment, old stereo, tools, a snow shovel, the list goes on. I took out all of that stuff and my monthly car gas bill did decline. I would only bring the things I needed based on where I was going. For example I didn’t need to have the camping equipment when I was going to work. Another one is the heavy tool collection. I know so many guys who have tons of heavy tools in the car that they rarely use, if ever.

A third tip is to tighten the gas tank nozel as far as it can go. Leaving the gas nozel open or lose will waste gas.

I’ll write about the car issue next time.