Eight Effective Ways to Conserve Gas for your Vehicle

With gas prices on the rise, many people are looking for ways to save money at the gas pump. There are ways to cut down on what you spend on gas and you do not have to plan on walking to work everyday to do it.

Here are eight effective ways to conserve gas for your car.

Get rid of the gas guzzler. Yup, that means your large sports utility vehicle. Those large SUVs (and trucks) use a lot of gas. If paying over $60 at the pump every time your fill up sounds familiar, then it is time you trade in your large car for a more fuel efficient one. Think about your driving habits and your needs. If you have a very large family, you might not be able to trade in your large SUV for a smaller car. However, if you are single or only have one or two children, do you really need that SUV? Also, think about your driving habits. If you do not haul large items on a regular basis or do not often take long car trips, then you can probably get away with having a smaller, more efficient car.

Shop around for gas: You can find good deals on gas, sometimes several cents cheaper if you just look around. There are even websites where you can go and enter your zip code to find the cheapest gas in your area. One word of warning though-if you are not careful, you can spend more gas getting to the cheaper gas! Use this method if the gas station is close by or if you are going in that direction anyway.

Multi-task: This means when you need to run errands, plan accordingly. You can get several errands done in one trip if you plan carefully. Know what you need and where you will go. Find a way to get all of your errands done in one trip. This will save you on gas coming and going and will make it easier for you to get your errands done.

Walk, ride, use the bus: Most people do not want to walk, however, you can save a wad of money by just not using your car. If you have stores close by your home, why not walk or ride your bike. You will save on gas and get some exercise, too. How about the kids? Is there bus service from your home to the school? You can save a lot by not sitting in the school parking lot and letting your car idle for ten minutes while you wait. In addition, if you are a taxpayer, you probably already pay for bus service, so use it and save.

Pay for your gas wisely: When you buy your gas, do you ever consider how you pay for it? If you can pay cash, that is the best way. However, if you use a gas credit card, look for one that will give you cash back on purchases or give you credit towards your kids college tuitions. If you use a credit card and do not pay it off every month, not only are you paying more for the gas, but also you are adding to that cost with the monthly interest charge.

Buy your gas in the early morning or late evening: It is true, this method of filling up can help you save a little on your gas bill. When it is cooler outside, gas is denser than when it is hot. When you fill up, the gas pumps are set to measure the volume of the gas, not the density. So, when you fill up when it is cooler, you are getting a better deal.

Get the most for your money: Many consumers do not know this, but you can get more gas for your money (up to a half cup) if you turn the nozzle 180 degrees after you pump. Why? Well, it is because when you fill your car, some amount of gas stays in the nozzle. You have paid for that gas, so it might as well be in your tank. When you turn the nozzle before pulling it out of the tank, it is an added bonus for you.

Buy a lower grade of gas: You may not need that high octane gas. For most drivers, the lower price gas will work just fine. Many times, this type of gas costs a good deal more. If you buy the lower grade of octane gas, you will save a bundle of money in the long run. It will not harm your car, and you will save at the pump.

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For more on conserving gas visit CBS News.