17 tricks to help you save at the pump

No matter what car you drive, there are tricks you can use to help save gas.

According to State Farm, good driving habits contribute to better fuel economy, which saves money and also helps the planet.

Here are some tips to help you become a more fuel efficient driver:

1. Perform routine maintenance

A well-maintained car will perform best.

2. Keep your tires inflated to the ideal pressure

Underinflated tires reduce mileage. And they are dangerous too. Check the manufacturers recommendations and make sure your tires are inflated to the maximum PSI measured when cold.

3. Plan your route and combine short trips

Warm engines run more efficiently than cold ones. So plan your route in advance. Avoid rush hour and other peak travel times. Combining short errands (such as the grocery store, dry cleaning, and visiting the bank) into one trip is an effective way to save time and gas.

4. Drive at a moderate speed

Although every car is different, in most cases the mileage will decrease by more than 50 mph. To save gas, stay at or below the speed limit and drive at a consistent speed. Use cruise control on long trips.

5. Measured and moderate management

Aggressive driving habits such as revving the engine, speeding, snarling around corners and mashing the gas pedal are major fuel wasters. Drive measuredly and moderately for maximum fuel economy.

6. Passenger light

Excess weight in the car causes the engine to drag and consumes extra gas. Do not carry heavy loads unless you have to.

7. Maintain your car’s aerodynamics

Good aerodynamics affect your car’s fuel efficiency by reducing drag, especially at high speeds. Close the windows and the hatch on the highway. Even keeping the car’s exterior clean can make a difference.

8. Use the highest possible gear

Driving at low speeds at high speeds burns too much fuel. On a manual transmission, pay attention to the RPM when you accelerate and shift into high gear as soon as you reasonably can.

9. Avoid excessive idleness

It consumes a surprising amount of fuel at idle – more than when the engine is revving. If you need to wait in a parked vehicle for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine and only turn it on again when you are ready to continue driving.

10. Ride share

You will cut fuel consumption per person in half when you share a ride. Ask friends and colleagues who live near you or frequent the same places you travel. The best part – you can split the gas costs with your passengers!

11. Park further from your destination

12. Don’t wait to fill up

Waiting to fill up until you’re almost out of gas increases the risk that you’ll have to settle for a higher price per gallon at the first station you see.

13. Limit the use of air conditioning or use the eco setting

Running your car’s air conditioner can reduce fuel economy by 25%, according to the EPA. This is especially pronounced in very hot weather, on short trips and in hybrid-electric vehicles. On nice days, turn off the air conditioner completely and use the coolest non-air conditioner instead. When it’s too hot without air conditioning, set your air conditioner to the lowest comfortable setting or use your car’s “eco” AC setting if it has one.

14. Park in the shade

In hot weather, park in the shade or use windshield sun protection to reduce heat build-up inside the vehicle. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and therefore fuel) to cool the car.

15. More than one car?

If you own more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient model that meets the needs of any trip.

16. Is premium fuel better?

AAA research has found that if premium fuel is not recommended or required by your vehicle manufacturer, it does not provide any additional benefits. Drivers should refer to their vehicle owner’s manual to check which type of gasoline is recommended for their engine.

17. How can you save on gas?

Use cash instead of a credit card to pay. Many gas stations charge a surcharge when using a credit card – to help them offset the card processing channels.

Tell us how much you pay for gas!