May 23, 2018
Owning a car is a privilege and necessity in modern life. We all enjoy the independence that driving ourselves to where we want to go brings us. It’s great to have a vehicle ready when there is an emergency or when we want to take a trip as a family together. Unfortunately, vehicle ownership also comes with the cost of maintenance, repairs, and fuel.
Here at Kidney Cars, we understand the need to save money on car expenses like fuel. Here are 11 ways that you can save money by stretching your fuel efficiency. If you are ready to move on to another car, we also can show you how to donate your car to the National Kidney Foundation and get a possible deduction on your taxes.
1. Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained.
A dirty air filter can reduce your gas mileage up to 20%.
2. Proper Inflated Tires.
Underinflated tires are hazardous and they consume your fuel economy by up to 25%.
3. Purchase Fuel from a Wholesale Club.
Many stores give discounts on gas after you spend a certain amount on groceries. Look for reward cards and wholesale clubs that offer lower fuel costs.
4. Change Your Travel Time.
Try to schedule your errands and trips during times when the traffic is lighter.
5. Lighten Your Load.
Extra weight that your car’s engine is hauling takes more fuel. Reduce the amount of gas your car spends by keeping your car loads light when possible.
6. Purchase Gas During the Coolest Hours of the Day.
Gasoline is more dense in nature when it is cool. Remember that gas pumps measure volumes of fuel, not the densities of fuel concentration.
7. Do Not Overfill Your Fuel Tank.
When you overfill your fuel tank, it can lead to gas wastage.
8. Make Sure You Tighten The Gas Cap.
Your fuel can vaporize when the gas cap is improperly sealed. Save that gas and make sure the cap is fitted on correctly and tight.
9. Always Drive at a Consistent Moderate Speed.
It has been said that for every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 miles per hour, you are paying an added 20 cents per gallon for gas.
10. Keep Your Cool.
Your safety and comfort are increased when using your car’s AC on a hot day. Air conditioning has little effect on mileage, so keep the windows closed and go ahead and enjoy it.
11. Use the Correct Octane Level for Your Vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual. Most gasoline-driven cars are designed to run on 87 octane, but others are intended to run on a higher octane fuel. Improved fuel economy is mostly about good driving practices. However, some cars will get poor gas mileage due to their age.
Ready to move on to a more fuel-efficient car? Donate your old one to Kidney Cars where it will find a new purpose–helping people affected by kidney disease