The price of gas may go up or down, but it’s always a major expense for most drivers. The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. Here are some practical ways to reduce fuel costs.
Walking or biking does not consume fuel and thus does not accumulate fuel costs. In most cases, public transport alternatives such as buses, trains, and trolleys are viable options for reducing fuel costs. Due to the communal nature of ride-sharing, the fuel costs of operating public transport are generally less than the fuel costs associated with each individual operating their own vehicle. In some places, public transport is free. Considering the costs associated with owning or renting a car creates even more incentive to use other modes of transportation.
Benefits of Public Transportation Learn more…
Carpooling, or car sharing, is the arrangement between two or more people to travel to a shared destination in a single vehicle. Although a heavier car consumes slightly more fuel, it is usually much more efficient than two people driving separate cars towards the same destination.
How Carpooling Helps Reduce Emissions
Driving a smaller car makes a significant difference – the fuel cost is about half for a small sedan than for a very large SUV. Similarly, drive with a less powerful engine than you need. Don’t pay for an eight-cylinder engine when four cylinders work just fine. Unless you’re hauling heavy loads on a routine basis, the extra cost of a bigger engine results in more money spent on gasoline.
Fuel Economy GuideTune the Engine
A properly tuned engine maximizes power and can greatly enhance fuel efficiency. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Engine Maintenance TipsAdjust Tires
Make sure the tires are inflated to the right levels. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. Tires also lose about 1 PSI per month, and when the tires are cold (e.g., in the winter), their pressure will decrease due to the thermal contraction of the air. It is recommended to check tires at least monthly, preferably weekly. Having properly inflated tires will also help avoid uneven wear on the tread.
Gas mileage will improve by 1 percent to 2 percent if you use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can reduce your gas mileage by a considerable amount. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
There is no more obvious way to save gas than to drive a shorter distance. Plan your route carefully. With today’s GPS route planners, it’s easy to calculate a straight route with the fewest stops and diversions. It is also possible to judge which route will have the least traffic. Take highways instead of local routes or city streets when possible – the steady speed maximizes fuel efficiency.
Governments may intervene in gasoline markets by taxation, which may raise prices for consumers within or outside the governmental territory. Similarly, certain industries may receive financial support from the government to promote commercial enterprise (a subsidy). Generally, subsidized products or services can be sold at lower prices.
How Government Policies Affect Gas Prices
The global oil price fluctuates constantly. The key crudes quoted are Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) in the unit of US$ per barrel. The retail fuel price is closely related to the global oil price fluctuation.
Political elements such as structure, regime, personnel, and events can all affect the cost of fuel. For instance, a change in leadership from a leader who doesn’t believe in climate change to one who does may result in changes to the cost of fuel for consumers based on different policies, such as choosing not to subsidize fuel. Political relationships between countries are also a factor; nations can go to war over resources, or form alliances in order to trade, both of which can affect the cost of fuel.
The Impact of Politics on Fuel PricesGeographic Area
Certain geographical areas or countries in the world have an abundance of oil, while others do not have a single drop. Regional consumers within close proximity of high supplies of oil are more likely to have lower costs of fuel due to ease of access. Areas without their own supply of oil that are isolated from the rest of the world (such as islands in the Pacific) can find fuel to be relatively expensive.
Geographic Impact on Fuel Prices
Natural Disasters or Weather
Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, major floods, and other such nature-related phenomena can affect the production, manufacturing, and logistics of gasoline, which can possibly affect the price of fuel. For instance, a snowstorm may close certain roads, disallowing the transportation of the resource and driving up fuel costs in these areas. Hurricanes or earthquakes can damage oil refineries, abruptly halting production, which can also eventually increase fuel costs.
“There is no more obvious way to save gas than to drive a shorter distance.”
| Tip | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Use Public Transportation | Varies by location |
| Carpool | Reduces fuel per person |
| Use a More Fuel-Efficient Vehicle | Up to 50% savings for smaller cars |
| Tune the Engine | Up to 40% with serious repairs |
| Adjust Tires | Up to 3% |
| Use the Correct Motor Oil | 1% to 2% |
| Plan Trips Carefully | Varies by route |
By incorporating these practical tips into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your fuel costs and contribute to a more sustainable environment.