The current inflation in gas prices all over the world has been caused by many different factors. The most significant factor has been the increase in the price of crude oil, which is the main ingredient in gasoline. Other contributing factors include refinery shutdowns, geopolitical tensions, and weather disruptions.
The current inflation in gas prices is expected to continue into the summer months. This is typically the time of year when gas prices are the highest due to increased demand from summer travel.
The sudden increase in gas prices has caused many people to change their driving habits. Some people are driving less, carpooling more, or taking public transportation when possible. With the current inflation in gas prices all over the world, fuel-efficient driving techniques have never been more important. By following these few simple driving tips, you can significantly reduce your fuel consumption and save money.
1. Drive the speed limit
For most of us, the faster we drive, the more gas we use. This is because our cars have to work harder to maintain a high speed, and gas is the fuel that makes our car go. The Department of Energy estimates that for every 5 mph over 50 mph, you’re paying an extra $0.24 per gallon for gas. So, if you’re driving 65 mph, you’re paying almost $0.40 more per gallon than you would be if you were driving the speed limit.
Of course, the amount of money you save by driving the speed limit will depend on how much you drive. If you only drive a few kilometers in your car each week, the savings will be minimal. But if you’re someone who drives a lot, or someone who has a long commute, the savings can really add up.
So, the next time you’re behind the wheel, remember that driving the speed limit can save you money and gas, and you’ll also avoid costly tickets.
2. Avoid sudden starts and stops
One of the biggest gas guzzlers is the stop-and-go driving that is so common in cities. Constantly starting and stopping uses a lot of fuel, so it is best to avoid this whenever possible. If you can, plan your route so that you can take advantage of green lights and coast to a stop instead of slamming on the brakes.
3. Use cruise control
Maintaining a consistent speed uses less gas than accelerating and braking. Drivers could save billions of gallons of fuel each year by using cruise control on highways. A study found that, on average, drivers using cruise control drove 5% to 16% further between stops than those who did not use cruise control, resulting in fuel savings of 3% to 14%.
4. Keep your tires inflated
There are several reasons why underinflated tires waste fuel. First, they create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to maintain your speed. Second, they increase the contact area between the tire and the road, which creates more friction and also causes your engine to work harder. Finally, underinflated tires tend to overheat, which can lead to premature tread wear.
All of this wasted fuel costs you money, so it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Many newer cars have tire pressure monitoring systems that will alert you if your tires are getting low, but it’s still a good idea to check them yourself every month or so.
5. Use the highest gear possible
Shifting to a higher gear reduces gas consumption because it allows the engine to run at a lower RPM. This means that the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, which in turn uses less fuel. Using the highest gear will also prolong the life of your engine.
6. Remove unnecessary items from your car
Extra weight in your car can lead to decreased fuel efficiency. In fact, for each 100 pounds of extra weight in your car, fuel efficiency decreases by about 2%. So, if you can remove just 50 pounds of unnecessary weight from your car, you can improve your gas mileage by about 1%.
7. Plan your route
Most people are unaware of how much gasoline they use and how far their car will travel on a single tank. This may seem like common sense, but many individuals fail to plan their route, resulting in them wasting gas and spending more money. There are a lot of ways that you can plan your route.
One of the easiest ways is to use an online mapping service such as Google Maps. You can simply enter your starting point and your destination and the map will show you the best route to take. Not only will it show you the best route, but it will also give you an estimated time of travel it will take to get there and how many miles it is.
8. Carpool or use public transport
Two or more individuals can carpool to share a ride to a common destination. This can be done by taking turns driving, or by using a rideshare service. Carpooling reduces fuel costs because it cuts down on the number of vehicles on the road, while splitting the cost of gas with your carpool buddies can help you save money.
Public transport is another great option for reducing gas consumption. Commuting by bus or train instead of driving can save you a lot of money on gas. Doing so also cuts down emissions from vehicles which are good for the environment.
9. Combine errands
Rather than making multiple trips to different locations, try to group together all the places you need to go in one trip. This will not only help you save money on gas, but it will also save you time.
10. Turn off your engine
Another way to save gas is to avoid idling. If you are stopped for more than a minute or two, it is generally more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine and restart it when you are ready to go again. This is especially true in cold weather when it takes longer for your engine to warm up.
Look for an affordable driving school in your area to learn even more about safe and efficient driving.