What to Do About Rising Gas Prices
Battling Ever-Increasing Gas Prices
Just when we thought there was going to be a reprieve in the cost of gasoline, gas prices once again have begun to soar. With the operating cost of vehicles continually on the rise, what’s a consumer to do? Believe it or not, there is a ray of hope. By following a few savvy tips, you can help alleviate the pain caused by the current gas prices.
Check Your Air Filter
Whenever you get your oil changed, you should definitely check your air filter. If your air filter is clogged, it can cause your engine to work harder, thereby consuming more gas.
Fill Up Before the Holiday
If a holiday is coming up, make sure you fill up your tank at least three days before the holiday. Gas prices traditionally increase on holidays due to an increased demand for gasoline.
Don’t Peel Out
When taking off from a complete stop, don’t put the petal to the metal. Taking off slowly from a stop can have a dramatic effect on the fuel efficiency of your car. By accelerating slowly after being at a stop, you’ll be able to partially offset the rising cost of gas prices.
Buy When It’s Coolest
You’re going to want to buy gas when it’s coolest out. That usually means filling up in the early morning hours or in the cooler hours of the evening. Or if it’s 70 degrees one day and you know it’s going to fall to 60 degrees, the next, wait to fill your gas tank.
The reason for this is that gas is denser when it’s cooler out and gas prices are based on the volume of gas you buy, not the density of the gas you’re purchasing. Because of this, you’ll get more bang for your buck by filling up when the weather’s cool.
Make Sure Your Tank is Properly Sealed
When putting the cap on your gas tank, make sure that it’s sealed properly. Each year, over 147 million gallons of gas evaporate into the air due to improperly sealed gas caps. With gas prices the way they are, the last thing you want to do is be throwing gasoline out the window.
By following the simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to combating the effects rising gas prices have on your wallet.
Comments
Great tips! It is getting crazy with prices being so high.
Posted by: Frugal Momma | April 16, 2006 5:09 AM
After you are done filling up with gas, don't just return the nozzle into the receptacle. Raise the lower end of the loop of the hose so that trapped gasoline will pour into your gas tank. You'll be amazed that more that the volume of a cup of coffee pours out to your gas tank.
Posted by: Alex | May 10, 2006 5:16 AM
I wonder about tip 3. Gas is pumped from underground storage tanks, which most likely maintain a fairly constant temperature day by day (probably less so month by month). I don't think density is likely to vary enough to matter in the few moments it spends between your tank and the gas station's.
Posted by: Graeme | May 10, 2006 12:10 PM
Gas tips, keep windows up and your car clean= less drag when driving
Reducing speed from 65mph to 55 will save 10% of fuel burned. Don't know if the same ratio holds at higher speeds.
Perhaps if enough of us improve on our driving the amount we would save would reduce sales enough that the oil companies would lower prices.
Don't buy Exxon or Mobile gas. DA
Posted by: Dorothy | May 14, 2006 4:23 PM
Embarased to tip the hose to get all the fuel out? Next time pull ahead a little farther to 'stretch the hose' so most of any residual fuel does drain into your tank instead of being left in the hose.
Posted by: Dick Engel | May 15, 2006 10:56 AM