Driving To Savings: Car Tips To Save You Money
Although the most interesting method to save on car operating costs came from my
chemistry teacher in high school (Buy your gasoline in the early morning or at night when
it is cold outside. Gas becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Since gas pumps only
measure the volume of fuel - not the density - you'll get better overall gas mileage for
your money by purchasing fuel when it's cool outside rather than in the heat of the day),
the moment that will determine the true amount you can save on your car costs comes before
you even buy a car. The simple fact is that the type of car you decide to purchase will
have the largest impact on the expenses you incur during the lifetime of it.
Even if a large sports utility vehicle is your dream car, it's probably a lot more than
you really need. Taking some time to make a list of the things you'll use the car for will
help determine the difference between your true needs and your wants. It's important to
remember that each additional want you add above what you really need will cost you not
only at the time of purchase, but in most cases well down the road with an increase in
maintenance and operating costs.
The size of the car you decide to purchase will have a direct effect on its operating
costs. Purchasing the smallest car possible for your driving needs will save you a
tremendous amount in gasoline charges. Small cars weigh about half as much as larger cars
which results in about half as much fuel being used.
Once you have decided on the size of car, it's worthwhile taking the time to research
the safety ratings of the different cars in that size range. Not only will this improve
your chances of staying alive in an accident, it will likely reduce your car insurance
costs. A quick call to your car insurance company will tell you the tale. Remember, if you
keep your car for 7 years, a $25 a month difference in insurance costs adds up to over
$2,100 over the lifetime of the car.
Once you have a car, taking some simple steps can reduce your operating costs by
hundreds of dollars. For example, if you reduce your gas consumption by $20 a week, it
will save you over $1,000 a year. Most people can easily save this amount (and often much
more) by simply changing their driving habits and paying a little more attention to their
cars.
By far the best way to reduce your car expenses is to use your car only when necessary.
Cars are extremely convenient and this causes people to use them much more often than they
really need to. By simply asking yourself, "Is this trip really necessary?" you
can greatly decrease the amount you drive.
For short trips close to home, try walking or riding your bicycle. Not only will you
save money on your car expenses,you'll also get some healthy exercise. When you go
shopping or run errands, take a little time to plan and combine them all into one outing
instead of several. Of course, car pooling and using mass transportation systems when
possible are always excellent ways to reduce car expenses. If you can find a different way
to commute to work rather than by your car, there is a good chance that this will result
in a discount in your car insurance.
There are also a number of steps you can take to reduce your driving expenses while
using you car. Here's a quick list of some actions you may want to consider while driving.
*** Take the time to check your car's tire pressure each month. Under inflated tires
reduce fuel efficiency by 2% for every pound they are under inflated. Under inflation also
causes premature tire wear giving your tires a shorter use life.
*** Drive at the speed limit. Cars use about 20% more fuel driving at 70 miles per hour
than they do at 55 miles per hour.
*** Avoid driving fast in low gears. Driving at high speeds in the improper gear can
reduce fuel efficiency by up to 40%.
*** Avoid using air conditioning whenever possible. Air conditioning reduces fuel
economy by 10% to 20%.
*** Don't open windows when traveling at high speeds. Open windows on the highway can
reduce fuel efficiency by 10%. It is much better to use the ventilation system. Also
remember to remove car racks and other items which make your car less aerodynamic when
they're not being used. Use cruise control to maintain a steady pace on the highway to
increase fuel economy.
*** Avoid rough roads. Driving on roads made of dirt or gravel can reduce fuel economy
by up to 30%.
*** Don't let your car idle. Even on cold mornings, there's no need to let your car
idle for more than 30 seconds. Newer cars are designed to be driven almost immediately and
letting your car idle longer is a waste of gas. In addition, it's more efficient to turn
off your car and turn it on again than to let it idle for more than 45 seconds while
waiting.
*** Remove all excess weight from your car. Many people use their car trunk as a
storage space adding unneeded pounds to the car's weight. This unnecessary weight reduces
the car's fuel efficiency.
*** Try to accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid stops when driving. Gunning
engines, quickly accelerating, and abrupt stops all waste fuel. Try to avoid driving
during rush hour periods when you know traffic will be stop and go. If you do find
yourself in stop and go traffic, try to maintain a crawl. When approaching hills or steep
slopes, accelerate before the hill. Accelerating once on the slope will consume much more
gas.
*** Service your car regularly while paying special attention to oil and filters.
Blocked air flow from clogged air filters will increase fuel waste. Also check your car's
alignment since this can cause engine drag which will also increase gas waste.
*** Periodically calculate your car's fuel efficiency. A loss in fuel efficiency is an
indication of possible mechanical problems.
To really see how much you can save by using the above information, don't change your
driving habits this week, but take note of the number of miles your drive and calculate
your car's current fuel economy. The following week begin initiating any of the above
ideas which you aren't currently utilizing. You are sure to be surprised by how much you
can save over your regular driving habits, and you'll be able to enjoy some extra money
jingling in your pockets.
Copyright (c) 2004, by Jeffrey Strain
This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information
and an active link (where possible) are included.
A complimentary copy of any newsletter or a link to the site where the article is
posted would be greatly appreciated.
Jeffrey Strain has published hundreds of money saving articles and the creator of the
Daily Money Saving Challenge Program. He is the co-owner of http://www.savingadvice.com -- a
website dedicated to saving you money.
savingadvice@gmail.com
Written by: Jeffrey Strain
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