LendingTree.com Shares Ways to Save on Gas
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 20, 2007 – Gasoline represents a significant expenditure for many households and as recent news has proven; it’s not likely to get any cheaper as time goes on. Here’s how to keep from pouring the contents of your wallet into your gas tank.
Cut down on your mileage – Consider carpooling or public transportation. But what if you don’t live in an area with reliable and convenient public transport? There are other ways to cut down on how much you drive. Combine errands, or plan them as a part of your commute. Clock the mileage to frequent destinations and look for routes that shave miles off, even if the drive is a little longer. (Taking the expressway may be saving you minutes, but costing you at the gas station.)
Slow down – The higher the RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) the more gas you’re using. (Think about how many pit stops NASCAR drivers have to make.) Keep an eye on your tachometer. If your car doesn’t have one (many cars with automatic transmissions don’t) pay attention to the sound of your engine: the higher-pitched the sound, the harder it’s working and the more fuel it’s burning. Failing all that, a good rule of thumb is: the faster you drive the more gas you’ll use.
Keep current on your tune-ups – A well-oiled machine is more efficient. Not sure if it’s been three months or three thousand miles? That probably means it’s time for a tune-up. To help keep you current, some shops will put a little sticker on your windshield noting the date and mileage when your next tune-up is due. If not, right after your next tune-up, make a note in your calendar for three months and write down the mileage.
Tires – Out of balance or low-pressure tires make the engine work harder, burning more fuel.
Comparison shop – Keep an eye on the price per gallon at your local gas stations and fill up wherever is cheapest. If you see a real bargain, don’t wait till your tank is empty: prices can change daily, so top off the tank with the cheap stuff when you find it.
Pump your own – Avoid full service pumps.
High-octane is not necessarily better – Use whatever octane rating is recommended by your car maker. Some engines are specifically designed for lower-octane gas, so no sense in spending money you don’t need to.
Avoid idling – Idling in itself uses a lot less gas than driving does, but a lot more gas than not having the engine running at all. If you’re going to be stopped for a while, cut the engine.
Lighten the load – The heavier your car, the more gas it takes to move it forward. Take any unnecessary weight out of the trunk and back seat.
Consider downsizing – The larger the car the more gas it takes to run. Trading in your current vehicle for a smaller one may not be very convenient but may help cut down on your weekly gas expenses and something you might want to consider.
For more money saving tips please visit the LendingTree.com Smart Borrower Center found at www.lendingtree.com/smartborrower.
About LendingTree, LLC
LendingTree, LLC is the nation’s number one online lending exchange, providing a marketplace that connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 20 million loan requests and $152 billion in closed loan transactions. LendingTree provides access to mortgages and refinance loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, auto loans, personal loans, credit cards and high-yield savings accounts via www.lendingtree.com and 800-555-TREE.
Launched in 1998 with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, LendingTree, LLC also owns and operates LendingTree Loans sm, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, and HomeLoanCenter.com. LendingTree, LLC is an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).