Saving Money at the Pump

There isn't anyone who isn't concerned about the cost of fuel these days. Here are some tips to improve fuel consumption in your vehicle. These tips will work for Subarus and any other vehicles out there. Here they are:

CONTROL YOURSELF AT THE WHEEL

No more rushed driving, and lose the road rage. Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and any combination thereof.

Immediate excessive acceleration from a complete stop also wastes fuel. You are just not getting the best value for your money if you are driving erratically.

Strive to maintain a steady and consistent speed if you wish to get the most for your money.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Your air filter needs to be clean to use fuel efficiently. You can clean your air filter on a regular basis. Cleaning the air filter on a monthly basis saves a good amount of money over time.

Clean it yourself. Remove your air filter. Tap it on the concrete to remove all debris from it. Do not wash it! You will never be able to use it again.

Want to take things a step further? Clean the filter housing with a cloth that has been moistened with a bit of gasoline or just a very small amount of hand cleaner specially formulated for mechanics.

If you follow these air filter cleaning tips, your vehicle will operate more efficiently because your vehicle will run cleaner.

HANDS INSIDE DURING THE RIDE

For optimal fuel usage, your windows need to be closed.

Wind drag - caused by open windows - slows your vehicle down. Open windows adversely affect the dynamics of vehicle operation, and your car has to work harder to move at the speed that you are demanding of it. It is that simple.

So, keep your windows up and keep more money in your wallet - where it belongs!

KEEP YOUR TIRES INFLATED

Flatter tires increase fuel consumption because more fuel is needed to move your vehicle when more of the tire's surface is exposed to the pavement.

If you keep a tire pressure gauge in your car, and regularly check your tire pressure, you will instantly improve the fuel usage of your vehicle. Remember to check your tire pressure often when you are already at the gas pump. Make it a part of your routine.

Maintaining proper tire pressure could result in savings of up to $10 more per month. So, get out the Owner's Manual and make note of the manufacturer's recommendation for tire pressure, and keep those tires inflated.

Not only will you conserve gasoline, but you will also save on tire replacement cost since low pressure tires result in uneven wear and tear.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

Roof racks / Bike racks

They really cost you over the long haul. Think dynamics of operation. You increase drag everytime you add a rack.

Trunk / Backseat Checks

Conduct an inventory of all that you are hauling around with you each day. You need to get rid of all excess "storage" in your trunk or backseat.

By doing so, you will improve the operation of your vehicle which, in turn, will improve fuel usage.

DON'T SIT IDLY BY

Don't sit and wait for your vehicle to "warm up". Any car that has electronic ignition does not require a "warm up" period, as we are all previously accustomed to. Older vehicles did require this, but newer ones do not.

Once inside the vehicle, check to see that you have your lunch, your wallet, and anything else that you need for the day. Make sure Sally has her lunch and homework, and get the kids settled down. Adjust your mirrors, buckle up, and anything else that you routinely do prior to turning the key in the ignition.

Bottomline: Do not turn on the car until you are ready to drive away. This will save on your fuel costs.

Even in cold weather.

CLEAR THE AIR

One of the most significant drags on fuel consumption is air conditioning. This is due to the extra work that your engine has to perform while the A/C is running.

If you are going to be too warm without air circulating, then turn your vent on high, and turn the temperature to cold. However, it is imperative that you make sure your air conditioning is not turned "on".

You won't even miss your air conditioning on the highway. The higher speed cools down the air coming in through the vents.

HOLD ON AT THE PUMP

There is a temptation to "top off" the tank at the gas pump. You may want to reconsider this method as most of the extra gas that you pump is subject to evaporation and/or will ultimately end up somewhere out on the road. This is due in large part to the fact that most of our vehicles today have a gas overflow tube. When that overflow tube is full, excess gas will evaporate and/or drain when the vehicle is in operation.

CHANGE IS GOOD

Most of our daily commutes take us to other areas of town, if not other towns. Keep your eyes open for gas prices along the way. Your neighborhood gas station or regular stop may not be offering the most economical price for fuel.

Consider a break in your routine to pump elsewhere along the way.

Also consider purchasing gas from an independent gas station, if they are offering a better deal. Due to federal government regulations, it makes no difference who the seller or brand name is. The fuel quality has met the same standards as other area gas stations.

MINUTE BY MINUTE - TIME AND GAS IS TICKING AWAY

If you idle for just over one minute, you are wasting fuel. If you have been waiting with your car running for more than one minute, you need to turn off the ignition. Restarting your car will use less fuel and cost you less money at the pump.

A word on safety: Please do not implement this money-saving tip while driving and waiting at traffic lights. It may save you money but could cost you your life or the life of another.