Gas prices are outrageous! In some places here in the Midwest prices have exceeded $2.00 per gallon. For those of us on a budget, that's a significant increase. Since there doesn't seem to be anything we can do to lower gas costs, I, instead, have to conserve the gas I do have. Here are some tips:
* Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Regular tune-ups and oil changes and making sure your tire pressure is correct all help your car work efficiently and lowers your gas mileage.
* Use your most efficient vehicle. If your family has more than one car, make sure the person that generally drives more is using the vehicle with the best gas mileage. * Limit unnecessary driving. Of course, you have to drive to work and to the grocery store, but you don't have to take that Sunday drive. Also, try to group errands together so you're not always driving around, making numerous trips. Don't go anywhere unless you have two or more places to go. Stop on the way home from work to pick up that gallon of milk rather than going home first and running out later. When you are out running errands, pay careful attention to the gas prices at every gas station you pass. That way, you know where the best prices are and can fill up your tank while your running errands. I have found that if I fill my gas tank when I drive to the next town over to do my grocery shopping, I save 25-cents per gallon over the cost of gas in my small town.
* Watch your speed. The faster you drive, the greater the aerodynamic drag on your car. By observing the speed limit, you conserve gas while obeying the law. You should also avoid hard, fast accelerations as they require more fuel to be burned in your engine.
* Don't leave your car idling. When your car idles unnecessarily, you are wasting fuel and money. If the drive-thru lines at the bank and the fast food restaurant are too long, you'll save gas by parking your car and going inside. If you drop your husband off to run into the store for a quick minute, shut your car off until he comes back.
* Using your car's air conditioner consumes more gas. Unless it is unbearably hot, roll the windows down and let the breeze cool you off. The wind is free.
* Use your overdrive gears and cruise control. The overdrive gears reduces the engine speed and is designed to
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