Are You a Gas-a-holic? Saving Money at the Gas Pump
Many of us would be or could be considered a Gas-o-holic. How so? We panic when we see our fuel gage reach the 3/4 mark. I know that I do. There is just something about an empty tank that send a wave of despair through my bones. What if I need to be someplace quickly and do not have the time to gas up? I may run out, get stranded on a deserted road and get mugged or something. That may seem a bit extreme but trust me, there are those of us that pretty much feel that way.
Everybody knows that the second half of the gas tank goes quicker than the first half. That is my main reason for keeping the gas tank full. But… am I over-feeding the oil companies by doing that? Would I save any money if I bought less gas and did not keep the tank full? Can I afford to do that? I think it all boils down to your geographical location, the distance one has to drive to get “anywhere”, and what type of vehicle you are driving.
Using me as an example, I drive a Mazda 626, an 07 model. It is pretty fuel-efficient by getting about 29-32 mpg in town. But in-town for me is not exactly as ‘in town’ as it is for most. I live in the country and getting anywhere at all takes a minimum of 1/2 hour to an hour. Sure, we have a little town just about 3 miles from us but you really do not want to buy anything there. Small town, huge prices. It works in a emergency but you certainly would not want to make a habit of it. Around here, one absolutely has to shop around and make the most of a trip to town or ‘the city’.
It makes good sense to keep my gas tank full if possible. You however, may be and probably are in a different situation. You may live in town and find it easier to buy less gas. I would suggest buy $5 to $10 less at the pump and not keep your tank on full. This way, you are not making so many stops at the gas pump and the oil tycoons are not getting as much of your money. It is really six to one and a half a dozen of another. I suppose it all works out the same but you could consider getting your gas on a Thursday evening or Friday morning. Most places that sell fuel increase their prices on a Friday evening. But they also decrease them if warranted. You could save a bit that way. I do recommend not letting the tank get below the half-way mark. It will cost more to fill the second half and more is what we are trying to avoid.
I suppose that after much thought, keeping the tank full is more economical for me. I am probably spending just as much but it isn’t happening all at one time as it would for an empty tank. I don’t know about you but $20 looks better to me than $75! Plus, you are not having to stress out about the idea of running out.
Gas saving tip: In stop and go traffic, do not put your foot into the gas pedal. Ease into it. This will save more than you could imagine. You will get there just a soon and save some wear and tear on your car. The guy behind you may get annoyed but quite frankly, who cares?
You should always keep the level of your tank above 1/2 full the car is much more efficient that way. I have read that if you fill up in the morning before the sun has heated the ground yuou get more gas because it is cold and flows thicker when it is cold. You should also fill your tank after your local gas station has been refilled from the tanker, that way you know that their tanks are full and holding less air. When their tanks are low you get more air in the line and less gas for your dollar. Change your oil ever three thousand miles to keep your car running at its best this too will help you burn less gas. Also check your air filters, keep them clean as well. Don’t feel bad about filling up at 3/4 of a tank if anything 1/2 tank is better, you get more bang for your buck.
Thank you. Those are great tips there. Also, you are correct about getting gas in the morning. The gas is thicker and you do get more petro for your buck!