Keeping your gas tank full can be draining on your finances. Rising fuel prices can hit your wallet hard and make every drive feel like you’re losing money. Unsurprisingly, one US study mentioned this as an issue facing businesses and consumers. But you can take some steps to fight back against fuel costs while doing your bit for the environment. In this article, you’ll learn four fantastic strategies that will help keep more green in your wallet while shrinking your carbon footprint.
Keep those tires in tip-top shape
You might not know this, but your tires are key to fuel efficiency. According to the experts, for every 1 psi drop in pressure across all four tires, your gas mileage can take a 0.3% nosedive. It might not sound like a lot, but it adds up over time. So, make it a habit to check your tire pressure regularly and keep it in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Inflating your tires to the right pressure can dramatically cut rolling resistance, making life easier for your engine and boosting your fuel economy.
Take it easy on the pedal
Although excessive speed can be exhilarating sometimes, aggressive driving habits like jackrabbit starts and hard stops are a major buzzkill for your fuel efficiency. The secret is to go for smooth and gradual acceleration and deceleration. Keep a safe distance from the car in front, anticipate traffic flow, and avoid slamming on the brakes every chance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these little tweaks can pump up your gas mileage by up to 33% on the highway and 5% in the city. Now, that’s some savings your pocket will love.
Turn off the engine when you’re not rolling
Leaving your engine purring while parked seems like a breeze, but it’s a wasteful habit. Modern engines are designed to be more fuel-efficient when you turn them off and back on than when you leave them idle for ages. Here’s the rule of thumb: if you’re going to be parked for over a minute, it’s more fuel-savvy to switch off the engine and fire it up again when you’re ready to hit the road. According to the EPA, idling can guzzle anywhere from a quarter to half a gallon of fuel per hour, depending on various factors. So, you can do your little bit to help your wallet and the planet by cutting down on unnecessary idling.
Go green with an Electric Vehicle
If you want to level up your fuel-saving game, consider switching to an electric vehicle (EV). These are inherently more energy-efficient and emit zero tailpipe emissions. The upfront cost might be higher than your regular ride, but the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance are worth it. Plus, you may qualify for some great government incentives and rebates to sweeten the deal. With more manufacturers like VinFast and charging stations popping up and EV technology improving daily, these eco-friendly rides are becoming a practical and wallet-friendly choice for drivers worldwide.
Follow the recommended routine
Let’s shift gears to another nugget of wisdom: Follow your car maker’s recommended maintenance schedule to the letter. Doing this helps keep your ride in top-notch shape. Straying from the plan can send your vehicle’s performance spiraling and cause fuel consumption to skyrocket. The little things matter a lot. But here’s the twist – if you ignore these tasks now, you’ll probably face some frustrating fuel efficiency issues. Conversely, if you love ensuring your engine is always in good condition, you’ll be rewarded with a smoother journey and some sweet savings at the pump.
Stay within the speed limit
Staying within the speed limit helps you save money and keep things rolling like a well-oiled machine. It isn’t just about obeying the rules; it’s a secret code for slashing fuel costs. Your fuel consumption significantly reduces when you play it cool and cruise at or below the limit, especially on the open road. Most vehicles, whether cars, trucks, or SUVs, hit their sweet spot for fuel efficiency, around 55-65 mph or even slower. But if you’ve got a heavy foot and you’re rocketing past that limit, you’re throwing your engine and crew into overdrive mode. That’s like setting fire to your wallet because you’ll burn through fuel faster. So, if you’re considering becoming a certified gas-saving pro and want to keep some extra money in your wallet, consider going gentle on that gas pedal.
So, here’s to the road ahead, full of happy driving and wallet-friendly pit stops!
