How to Save Money on Gas Today

Did you know that only 15 percent of the fuel that you put into your car gets used? The rest of the energy is lost for many reasons. Can you imagine saving 15% and getting more efficient use of your gas? Let's take a look at some of the things you can do now to get some of that mileage back.

The more that you understand about the way that your vehicle runs, and what it takes to properly maintain it, the more success you will have when it comes to understanding what steps to take to start saving money.

If only 15 percent of the fuel that you pay for gets used that means that by optimizing your car's performance, and using common sense, you can get back some of what is he wrote it in the rising cost of gas.

Where you by your gas or makes a difference. Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy. Simply from buying your gas at a busy station, you improve your gas mileage because the gasoline is fresher, and fresher gas has less contaminants in it. All the old gasoline in the tank will give you poor gas mileage. Over time things like water can accumulate in the storage tanks of the gas station, and still gasoline doesn't burn as well.

This contamination can mean that the gas you are purchasing is less powerful than fresh gas and will decrease your fuel economy. Try to time your visits to busier gas stations at those busy times but make sure that you're not in a rush to get anywhere. Time your visit to a busy gas station when the gas station is actually not busy however, if you go to the station when it's busy you waste gas sitting in line. So remember, off peak hours are best.

When you have finished filling up your gas tank try turning the nozzle of the hose a full 180 degrees. by simply taking this one step, you can add approximately one half cup of gasoline to your tank. Think about this, one half cup at every stop will have gallons in no time. In fact, in about 20 stops your close to a gallon.

Don't waste your money on high octane gas. For most cars these days, buying higher octane gas is a waste of your money. Regular unleaded has approximately 87 octane already and is fine for your vehicle.

The difference between regular octane and high-octane gas can be anywhere from $.50 a gallon or more.

Octane is simply a measurement of how difficult it is to ignite the gas in your car and has nothing to do with the quality of the gas. Of course, the debate over regular or high-octane gas is generally accepted in mechanic circles but always consult your owners manual or the manufacturer of your vehicle regarding high-octane gas.

Lastly, try not to drive your car when the gas gauge is on empty. A full tank of gas is not necessary, but try not to let your gas tank get less than one quarter tank full. When you get to less than one quarter tank, you start to use the gasoline than sitting at the bottom of your tank and that has contaminants in it. Think about the sediment that has accumulated in your gas tank. You don't want to give that inside your engine as it will cause sluggish and affect your fuel economy.