Tips for Reducing Fuel Cost

Fuel Cost

As summer approaches, we come to expect fuel costs to skyrocket. Call it supply and demand, or simply force of habit, the truth of the matter is, that higher fuel costs have all of our pockets suffering. Is there an option? Well, while our dependency on fuel is undeniable, there are some effective ways of reducing fuel cost and consumption.

Car Pool

The most obvious, and widely known, way of reducing fuel cost is to car pool. Every day, millions of Americans set out to work or school, driving solo to and from their destination. If each one of these people found just one other person to share the ride, we would instantly save half of what we spend on fuel. Not to mention reducing carbon dioxide emissions in half, as well. This is also one of the easiest solutions to implement. Find someone at work who lives nearby. Take turns driving, or pitch in to fill-up the driver’s tank. Either way, it is one less car to worry about.

Comply with Recommended Scheduled Maintenance

Tune-ups and oil changes are recommended for several reasons. Not only do they keep your vehicle running in excellent conditions, and reduce the need for more expensive repairs, but this routine maintenance can also save you money at the pump. Keeping your car fine tuned, and with clean oil and filters, reduces friction within the engine, and maximizes the effectiveness of fuel burn within the combustion chamber. The result: your full tank will last longer.

Don’t Fill-up at Noon

This might sound a bit strange, but the time of day when you fill-up your tank can be just as important as how much gas you put in. Filling-up at noon, when the weather is hot, can evaporate a significant amount of fuel as it enters the tank. Try to fill up first thing in the morning, when both the climate and the engine are cool. If you cannot do it in the morning, wait until sundown. You’ll notice a significant difference in how much your fuel lasts. Also, try to completely fill-up your tank every time. While the initial cost might be higher, a completely filled tank lasts longer than just adding a few dollars’ worth several times a week.

New Green Technologies

For thirty years scientists have been conducting research on combustion catalysts and burn rate modifiers. Their goal, to combine aerospace technology and what is known about fuel additives in order to find a product to help reduce individual carbon footprint, while still preserving and preferably enhancing engine life. By allowing fuel to burn better, these new technologies help significantly decrease the amount of carbon emissions exiting the tailpipe. Scientists have also found ways to help oil stay clean longer, which improves engine lubrication, which in turn, reduces the need for costly maintenance and repairs. All of this translates into increased horsepower, and longer lasting fuel. Whether fuel additives already added to gas before it arrives at the pump, or newer, green products which the customer can add directly to the tank, science has provided ways to extend the duration of fuel in the tank, and reduce the number of times we need to fill-up.

Do Your Share

Saving money is enough of a motivator to implement any, or all, of the tips for reducing fuel cost outlined above. But, there is a greater purpose in all of this. If we follow just one of the suggestions above we will be doing our share to reduce the carbon footprint, and improving the environment for future generations.