These Gas Saving Tips Could Actually Cost You Money

I know that just about everyone wants to save money on gas these days including myself.  However, implementing new driving techniques can be hard for some to accomplish.  I compare it to trying to quit a habit, like smoking.  When you are used to driving a certain way, it can be difficult to change those habits.  So it’s important to know just which gas saving tips are worth using and when it is the best time to use them. 

The following tips I have recommended using myself but after further research and testing on my part, I have come to realize that they should have come with additional information.

Don’t use the air conditioner unless you need it.  Actually when you compare driving at highway speeds with the air conditioner on versus driving with the windows open, there is very little difference.  So, if you are driving around town on a nice day, then by all means drive with the windows open.  However, when you are on the highway, you can go ahead and turn on the air conditioner and ride in comfort. The key to this tip is the speed at which you are traveling.  If you are going highway speeds, keep the windows closed to reduce drag.  However, if you are driving around town, turn off the A/C and open the windows. 

Use your cruise control.  This tip actually has some benefits if you are driving in a relatively flat area.  The issue with this tip is when you drive in a mountainous zone.  Your car will actually use more gas trying to maintain its speed on the uphill than if you were to drive manually.  When you drive manually you have a tendency to slow down on the uphill portions.  If you are a conscientious driver, you can increase your gas mileage even more by easing up on the gas pedal on the downhill side of the road. 

Fill up when temperatures are cooler.  This tip isn’t a bad one, but it doesn’t apply to most drivers.  You can benefit from filling up your gas tank when temperatures are cooler but it seems only to apply if you live where there is a big fluctuation in the temperature.  If live somewhere there is a 20-30 degree temperature difference between the hottest part of the day and the coolest part of the day, then by all means fill up when the temperatures are cooler otherwise it probably won’t make a difference. 

I’m not old enough to remember the gas crisis that took place back in the 70’s but I just recently experienced a gas shortage here where I live now.  Because of some events that recently took place, the area where I live (Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) has experienced a shortage of gas. 

Luckily, I had enough gas in my car and I have implemented some gas saving methods so that they have become second nature and the result is that I have been able to increase my gas mileage.  It is because I took the time to change my driving habits and I also use a product that helps me get better gas mileage that I didn’t have to worry about filling up my car during this shortage.  But I am sure that there were plenty of people that weren’t as lucky as I am.