How Much Money Do People Spend On Gas

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Not so long ago, the price of a gallon of drinking water actually exceeded the cost of one gallon of gasoline. Times have changed, and the fuel that powers most cars increased in price to more than $5 per gallon in some regions before coming back down to earth last fall. Naturally, drivers are still looking for ways to save money on fuel.

In an uncertain economy, it always is a good idea to increase your personal fuel efficiency. Here are eight simple ways to save money on gasoline, making things easier on your pocketbook as well as the environment.

Ration resources
If you are driving on the highway in the summertime, it makes good sense to roll up the windows and use the air conditioner. Don't, however, turn down the thermostat to a level that would keep a side of beef fresh. In the evening and in stop-and-go situations, turn off the air conditioner, roll down the windows, and pop open the sunroof.

Work outside a regular 9-to-5 schedule
Sitting in rush-hour traffic several times a week makes your car consume more gasoline. Two of the best ways to save money on fuel are changing your work hours and telecommuting. Check with your supervisor to see if working outside core office hours or spending a few days working from home fits within company policy.

Invest in green technology
Reduce your gas pains by purchasing a hybrid or a vehicle that runs on electricity, compressed natural gas or other alternative fuel. Streamlined, hyper-efficient vehicles also get absurdly good gas mileage.

Slow down
Fuel efficiency decreases at speeds exceeding 60 mph. Obey all posted speed limits, and keep your fuel gauge out of the red zone.

Put your car on a diet
Some drivers use their vehicles as portable storage lockers, filling the trunk with stuff they really don't need. The more your car weighs, the more fuel you will burn, so clean out the interior at least once a week. Discard the trash, and store the heavy items in the garage or basement.

Ride your local mass transit It's always a good idea to utilize buses, light rail transit systems and other mass transit options, particularly for short errands around town. Through a combination of walking and mass transit, you can cut your gasoline expenses each week.

Put pressure on your tires
For maximum fuel efficiency, always drive on tires that are inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking tire pressure on a monthly basis and, for the most accurate readings, during times when tires have not been driven on for at least three hours. Adjust the pressure to the pounds-per-square-inch (psi) recommended in the owner's manual for a better ride.

Cruise around town
You may irritate fellow drives if, like one character in the movie Revenge of the Nerds, you drive on the highway with "the old cruise control set at 37." But making good use of cruise control can increase fuel efficiency as much as 14 percent.

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