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Driving a car is the primary means of transportation for the majority of us. Whether we drive to get to work or simply to take a relaxing drive on the weekend, an automobile is something we don’t want to be without. However, it costs money to operate a vehicle. With gas prices in a continual state of flux, you never know when filling the tank is going to take a larger chunk of your weekly paycheck than you’ve budgeted for. These tips can help you save money on gas each week.

Drive Slower

A proven method of saving on fuel expenses is to drive slower. Gasoline engines are designed to perform smoother at slower speeds, and they’re also more fuel-efficient when you reduce your speed and drive at or below the posted speed limit. The number of miles per gallon your car gets depends a lot on operating it at slower speeds, because as your speed increases the mileage drops significantly.

Avoid Jack Rabbit Starts

Another way to save gas is to avoid jack rabbit starts. If you’ve ever seen a jack rabbit run, they continually stop and start, and when they take off it is quick and sudden. If you drive that way by accelerating quickly, especially from a standing start, your engine will suck up gas at a rapid rate. Instead you should take off slowly and smoothly, which will allow the engine to operate at peak efficiency.

Keep Tires Inflated Properly

If you make sure your tires are properly inflated, you’ll get better gas mileage than if they’re over or underinflated. Underinflated tires will create a drag on the roads surface that reduces gas mileage, and overinflated tires can cause dangerous handling problems in addition to lowering your miles per gallon. Check the sidewall of your tires for the recommended psi (pounds per square inch). It would be a good idea to check the tire pressure often—even more so during cold weather, which can cause tires to lose pressure. Also, make sure the wheels are aligned properly because if they’re not, it can affect gas mileage and cause handling problems.

Use Cruise Control

Whenever possible, especially on long trips, use the cruise control that comes standard on a lot of vehicles to maintain a consistent speed. Constantly varying your car’s speed can cause the engine to run inefficiently. Operating at a consistent speed will allow the engine to get good mileage because it takes more fuel to accelerate a vehicle than it does to keep it moving.

Don’t Use Air Conditioning

The heat on a hot day, especially when you’re in a vehicle with the sun beating down on the metal roof, can make you want to reach for the air conditioning button. If you want to save gas it’s better to put up with the discomfort. Running the air conditioner saps gas and lowers your mileage. The hotter it is, the more you’ll be tempted to turn the air conditioner. If you do, your fuel efficiency will suffer, and you’ll end up paying more the next time you stop for gas.

Clean the Air Filter

Gas mileage will be improved if you make sure your air filter is kept clean. It doesn’t matter where you live; the air is constantly filled with dust and dirt, which would make its way into your engine if you didn’t have an air filter. If you don’t keep the filter clean it will clog up with dust and dirt and your engine won’t perform at peak efficiency.

Keep the Engine Tuned

If your engine is properly tuned, it will perform efficiently, which will give you the best gas mileage possible. At regular intervals you should have your mechanic tune the engine. The spark plugs should be changed periodically, and the belts tightened. The oil should also be changed on a regular basis.

Tighten the Gas Cap

Each time you fill the tank, make sure you replace the gas cap properly. Ensure it fits tightly and is properly sealed. If the gas cap is loose fumes will escape, and your gas mileage will be lower than it could be. Escaping fumes also cause air pollution.

Drive a Smaller Vehicle

Although you may be tempted to stick with your SUV or heavy sedan, driving a smaller vehicle will allow you to save money on gas. Most small cars get very good gas mileage, and they can also be equipped to provide the comfort you’re used to in a larger vehicle. Over time, you can save quite a bit of money by driving a smaller car—each gas stop will cost less.

For more gas saving tips, visit CarInsurance.net.

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